Ja Morant, Darius Garland’s Top Trade Landing Spots After 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA season has demonstrated that few players are untouchable, with stars like Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, De'Aaron Fox, and Desmond Bane appearing in trade discussions. This context raises questions about whether Ja Morant or Darius Garland could become trade candidates, particularly after the Memphis Grizzlies made a major offseason move and the Cleveland Cavaliers face motivation to reassess following consecutive conference semifinal exits.

Garland rebounded strongly from an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, earning All-Star recognition and contributing critically to Cleveland’s 64-win campaign. He led the team in assists (6.7 per game) while ranking second in scoring (20.6 points), three-pointers (2.8), and steals (1.2), joining Kyrie Irving as the only players averaging 20+ points with shooting splits of 47% FG/40% 3PT/87% FT. Despite his elite status at age 25, Garland’s fit alongside Donovan Mitchell is questioned due to both guards being undersized, ball-dominant, and defensively inconsistent—making him a potential trade asset.

The New Orleans Pelicans emerge as a logical suitor, seeking a veteran point guard after Dejounte Murray’s struggles. Garland’s pairing with Zion Williamson could create an elite offensive tandem through pick-and-roll synergy, and New Orleans possesses the wing defenders Cleveland would demand in return.

Minnesota Timberwolves, who previously pursued Kevin Durant, need backcourt support for Anthony Edwards as Mike Conley ages and Rob Dillingham develops. Garland’s versatility as an on/off-ball threat would provide scoring and creation without hindering Edwards, while his playmaking could generate high-percentage opportunities for the star.

The Miami Heat, having missed on Durant and other stars, remain offensively challenged. Garland could elevate their offense into the league’s top half, though defensive concerns with a Garland-Tyler Herro backcourt exist. Miami’s contention hopes in the open Eastern Conference might justify pursuing Garland as a realistically available star.