After a heartbreaking postseason run, the Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to rebuild. Even if their roster doesn’t go through renovation, the players surely are. As boss Koby Altman cleared his vision for Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, one star remained in conversation. Guess who? Darius Garland.

Prodigy might be an understatement for the 25-year-old point guard. But he suffered from an injured big toe, which kept him out of basketball action for a while. He missed several games in Round 1 of the playoffs against the Miami Heat. But when he came back to face the Indiana Pacers in Round 2, it was too late.

Now, ESPN’s Shams Charania informed the world that Garland has finally undergone surgery to fix his toe. Dr. Nicholas Strasser performed the procedure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, supported by the Cavaliers’ medical team. Garland will begin rehabilitation in the next four to five months. If his recovery stays on track, he will make a full return and resume basketball activities by the start of training camp.

Given the reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ point guard could also miss the beginning of the 2025-26 season. Five months from today would be November 9, which means he would miss two weeks of fresh basketball action in his jersey No.10. This would also mean that Kenny Atkinson would likely give his exceptional Sixth Man Ty Jerome a place in the starting five.

Meanwhile, rumors about Darius Garland‘s trade are going wild in the NBA world. Who knew that the Brooklyn Nets could be one place where the guard could find a potential spot? But in return, the  Cavs would want Cam Johnson. At least, that’s what Bill Simmons feels.

In the latest trade rumors, Darius Garland could find himself wearing the Nets’ jersey

The Cleveland Cavaliers are staring at a steep financial climb. By the 2025–26 season, their projected payroll of $218 million will overshoot the $207.8 million second apron. This sharp gap will restrict their freedom in trades and free agency. As a result, making bold roster moves could turn into a luxury they can no longer afford. “So if they trade Garland, they have to go down a little bit. I was looking at Brooklyn for him, and that’s going to be my ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if…’ team,” Bill Simmons explained on his podcast.

“With Brooklyn, if it was Garland and Cam Johnson coming back to the Cavs with the number seven pick and some other asset, because I think he’s worth more than that, but there’s something there.” Brooklyn sees Darius Garland as its franchise cornerstone—a young star to build around, just like Indiana did with Tyrese Haliburton. Meanwhile, Cleveland faces a financial squeeze. With Donovan Mitchell, Garland, and Evan Mobley all due big paydays, tough choices await. Trading Garland offers flexibility, a fresh shooter, and a high draft pick.

Most importantly, Garland is just 25, and he can shoot and is also a great ball-handler. He has the talent to become a regular All-Star contender. However, team success often shapes recognition. If his squad struggles, his brilliance might go unnoticed. That is the paradox. Star power alone does not guarantee accolades. In the end, winning still decides who gets the spotlight and who stays in the shadows. “But there’s not a lot of homes for him because so many teams are already all-in with whoever their point guard is. I was going through all the teams, and I was like, man, if Garland’s available, there’d be a f—— line,” Simmons also added.

Darius Garland stands at a turning point that few stars face this early. While injury stalls his present, trade talks and roster shifts could shape his future. The Cavaliers must choose between promise and practicality. Meanwhile, rival teams watch closely. Because if Garland becomes available, the line for his talent will form instantly.