Darius Garland on NBA Rumors: 'I Don't Want to Be Traded'; Happy for Donovan Mitchell

Darius Garland is shutting down all trade rumors once and for all.

"I don't want to be traded," the Cleveland Cavaliers guard told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. "Those are just rumors."

There had been long-simmering rumors Garland could seek an exit this summer amid fit issues with Donovan Mitchell. The Cavs signed Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension this offseason, meaning Garland would have been the odd man out if there was going to be a split.

Garland pushed back on the notion of any unhappiness with Mitchell signing an extension.

"It's always good to see one of our guys get the money they deserve and know he's going to be back with us for a while," Garland said. "I was excited. I was excited for him."

An All-Star in 2022, Garland has taken a backseat offensively since the Cavs acquired Mitchell. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebound last season while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, his worst mark since his rookie season. There is little question that Garland is more comfortable playing the lead guard role, but there is equally little question over who is the better player.

Mitchell is the superstar. He gets the first right of refusal on the ball. Garland is merely a star and one whose shine has dimmed over the last 24 months.

Even if Garland were to request a trade, it's fair to wonder how much the Cavs could get in return. Garland is due $163.2 million over the next four years and hasn't played up to max-player status. It's unlikely the Cavs would land a player of Garland's caliber in any trade, even if they wound up getting a better fit.

Cleveland seems determined to run things back with few changes to last season's roster. The biggest change made this offseason was the firing of coach J.B. Bickerstaff in favor of Kenny Atkinson. A coach change is not suddenly going to fix the obvious fit issues on the Cavs' roster, but Atkinson said he's excited to work with Garland to aid in his development.

"I can't wait to work with them," Atkinson said. "I was a point guard and that's the quarterback. Those guys are running the show and it's such a huge position in this league. I identity with them. Huge fan of Darius. Always been a fan. Underrated. Underrated passer. I don't think he gets enough credit for the feel. Then, Donovan we all know, he's the real deal. The great ones have a different type of work ethic. He's wired a little bit differently."

Perhaps Atkinson's developmental acumen will unlock part of Garland's game that makes him a better fit with Mitchell. Maybe not. Either way, trade talks will likely be revisited next summer if the Cavs don't make an improvement.