The Cleveland Cavaliers were among several teams that expressed interest in acquiring Kevin Durant before the forward was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets.
The Cavs, along with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors, were identified as “wild-card suitors” that made exploratory inquiries about Durant’s availability, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor referenced Cleveland’s interest on his podcast, stating he had “heard” the Cavaliers even offered Darius Garland in a proposed package for Durant. He added: “When exploring a KD deal, they’ve at least shown a willingness to think big and go for a big star player.”
Durant was ultimately traded to the Rockets in a deal that included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and multiple second-round picks.
A trade for Durant would have been difficult for the Cavs considering their lack of NBA draft picks following the blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell. That deal led to the Cavs being without a first-round pick in 2025, 2027 and 2029 and potential first-round pick swaps in 2026 and 2028.
Earlier this month Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which he injured in the playoffs. Rehabilitation on the toe is expected to take four to five months. That timeframe could put him in jeopardy to start the next NBA season in October.
This season Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game while play just over 30 minutes a game. The speedy guard shot 40 percent on three-point shots, helping the Cavs earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly ‘suitor’ for Kevin Durant, offered guard Darius Garland
Reporting by Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
