Darius Garland-for-Kyrie Irving deal floated as logical fit for Cavaliers, Mavericks
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A speculative trade proposal linking the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks has gained attention after Cavaliers beat reporter Chris Fedor outlined the idea on the “Wine and Gold Talk” podcast. Fedor suggested a framework that would send Darius Garland to Dallas while bringing Kyrie Irving back to Cleveland.
Why Cleveland would consider it
According to Fedor, the Cavaliers are operating inside what he called a “Finals or bust” window built around Donovan Mitchell. While Garland is a former All-Star, Cleveland’s front office has already witnessed postseason stagnation with its current backcourt. Fedor argued that Irving’s late-game shot-making, playoff résumé and “scar tissue” could raise the Cavaliers’ ceiling, even though the guard is returning from an ACL injury.
Dallas’ potential motivation
Fedor noted that the Mavericks appear to be planning for a longer horizon, “increasingly orienting around Cooper Flagg,” a timeline that could make the 32-year-old Irving an awkward fit in the next three-to-five seasons. Garland, 24, would align more closely with that outlook.
Salary alignment and luxury-tax implications
Both players occupy a similar salary range, a factor that helps any theoretical swap satisfy collective-bargaining rules. For Cleveland, matching salaries would also limit the risk of triggering the NBA’s new second-apron tax penalties.
Risks and intangibles
Irving’s return to Cleveland would come with emotional baggage stemming from his 2017 departure, and the injury history of both guards would add uncertainty. Even so, Fedor emphasized that the discussion centers on roster fit and competitive timing rather than nostalgia.
The concept remains strictly hypothetical, but the alignment of competitive windows, contract values and playoff aspirations has kept the scenario alive in league chatter—especially if the Cavaliers stumble again when stakes are highest.
Source: Hoops Wire
