Cavaliers Retain Darius Garland Amid Trade Interest

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, but previous offers of two first-round picks have been rebuffed by Utah. In the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans successfully traded for Dejounte Murray but also sought to acquire Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who declined to trade their young point guard. Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists last season and remains a key player for Cleveland, which has chosen to retain its core roster, including Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. Despite trade interest, the Cavaliers are committed to Garland's development, believing in his potential. The Pelicans, bolstered by the addition of Murray, are positioned as potential contenders if their star Zion Williamson can stay healthy. Both teams' decisions reflect a broader strategy of maximizing talent while navigating trade dynamics in the NBA.