Darius Garland says trade rumors ‘definitely false’

Garland wants to be in Cleveland.

Darius Garland slammed the rumors suggesting he wanted to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.

“I told [Koby Altman] I wanted to be here,” Garland said on Media Day. “I really don’t know [where the rumor came from], it came out and it was definitely false.”

Rumors of Garland’s unhappiness swirled after the Cavaliers season ended in May. The primary focus of this speculation was Garland’s long-term fit next to Donovan Mitchell. It was suggested that Garland was eager to be the primary ball handler once again — and would demand a trade if Mitchell extended in Cleveland. This, apparently, was untrue.

“It’s super cool to see a star like [Mitchell] committed to this team,” Garland said. “He loves this city. We’re super excited to have him back and he’s happy to be here.”

The relationship between Mitchell and Garland is key for the Cavaliers. The team can’t reach its ceiling if those two aren’t clicking. When asked about their fit together, Garland shared this:

“We’ve been together three years and we’ve made a jump every year,” Garland said. “A lot of people don’t see what we have outside of the court, we have a real relationship off the court... that’s my brother.”

Garland was an All-Star before Mitchell arrived. But keep in mind, Garland’s first season with Mitchell was just as potent as his previous campaign — if not better. While Garland struggled mightily last year, his fit with Mitchell isn’t necessarily the reason why. A fractured jaw might have had something to do with it.

“I was playing catchup the entire season,” Garland said “Being down 15 pounds going into the playoffs wasn’t the best way to go about it... I really wasn’t myself.”

The Cavs are hoping for a bounce-back season from Garland, who says he regained weight this summer and is ready to ‘show off’ his new muscles. A healthy season from Garland could be all it takes to quell concerns of his fit with Mitchell once and for all.