The Cleveland Cavaliers were named as one of the surprise suitors for Kevin Durant. The Phoenix Suns eventually agreed to trade the 15-time All-Star to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks.
While the Suns accepted a package that did not include any All-Stars, they reportedly had the opportunity to acquire a two-time All-Star. Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo! Sports revealed that the Cavaliers offered Darius Garland to Phoenix in a potential deal.
"The Cavaliers offered Darius Garland in an attempt to land Kevin Durant, per @KevinOConnorNBA 😳😳😳"
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While it is unclear what Cleveland's full offer contained, Garland was likely the best individual player that the Suns could have acquired. The fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft averaged 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range and 87.8% from the free-throw line.
He is just 25 years old, fitting the same timeline as Phoenix's 28-year-old star Devin Booker. Despite the opportunity to have an All-Star duo in their backcourt, the Suns opted to acquire Green -- who is just 23, but plays the same position as Booker and has struggled with efficiency in his career. The deal could signal that the organization is ready to attempt to rebuild, leading many to question if they will look to move the four-time All-Star.
More NBA: Suns reporter reveals best young player offered in Kevin Durant trade talks