The backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell is unlikely to remain together entering next season, and it seems Garland may see the change of scenery.
News broke Monday morning from The Athletic that Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers are nearing a four-year maximum contract extension. This is leading most to speculate the front office will begin shopping Garland, with the Orlando Magic as a top suitor.
The Magic are focused on building around forward tandem Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who led the Magic to the No. 5 seed last season. They fell short to the Cavaliers in an intense seven-game series in Round 1. Their backcourt is one of the most depth-filled and tenacious in the league, but it lacks strength on the offensive end. Orlando's front office has tried time and time again to find guard talent in the NBA Draft, but none have panned out as hoped.
Brining in established talent in Garland could push them over the hump into a true championship contender. He averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists on 44.6% shooting from the field and 37.1% shooting from 3-point range in 57 games last season. His playmaking could further boost the ceilings of Banchero and Wagner while providing consistent scoring in the backcourt.
