Grade the Trade: Spurs wrestle star guard from Cavs in major trade proposal

San Antonio sacrifices depth for Garland

Garcia's proposed deal would send Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Zach Collins, and three first-round picks (Chicago's 2025 first and the Spurs' 2027 and 2029 firsts) to the Cavs. In exchange, the Spurs would receive Darius Garland. On paper, that would seemingly benefit both teams, with the Cavs getting a starting-caliber wing in Johnson, a capable backup in Collins, and a prospect in Branham.

That is in addition to three first-round picks, all of which are likely to convey, including the Bulls pick despite it being top-10 protected in 2025 and top-8 protected in 2026, and 2027. For the Spurs, they'd get a long-term answer at point guard in Garland, who can play next to Chris Paul in the short term before slotting in at the one after next season.

It would cost San Antonio some depth with three rotation players being sent out for one and that might hurt them, especially at center, with third-string center Charles Bassey not yet fully recovered from an ACL tear. That is a concern, especially with Wembanyama likely to sit games but it would give players such as fourth overall pick Stephon Castle more playing time and the team an upgrade in their talent level. Both the Spurs and Cavs have reasons to do the deal, but would both teams actually agree?