Darius Garland has proven himself as a franchise cornerstone for the Cleveland Cavaliers. From overcoming early career doubts to becoming an All-Star and playoff leader, his journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication
As he enters his prime, Garland has the potential to solidify himself as one of the best point guards in the NBA and lead Cleveland back to championship contention.
Darius Garland’s five-year, $197.2 million contract is a testament to his growth as a player and his value to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The deal is fully guaranteed, ensuring financial security for Garland while solidifying the Cavaliers’ core. As he continues to develop, his contract may prove to be one of the best investments in the NBA.
The coming years will determine whether Garland can lead Cleveland to championship contention, but for now, he remains one of the highest-paid and most promising young guards in the league.
Also Read: Darius Garland: Position, Net Worth, Wikipedia Bio, Career, Family Background And More
Table of Contents
Darius Garland: The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rising Star
Darius Garland was born on January 26, 2000, in Gary, Indiana. Coming from a basketball lineage, with his father Winston Garland having played in the NBA, Darius was exposed to the game at an early age.1
He attended Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, where he quickly gained recognition as one of the top high school point guards in the nation.
After a decorated high school career, Garland committed to Vanderbilt University. His college career, however, was cut short due to a knee injury just five games into his freshman season.
Despite the limited exposure, his skill set was enough to make him a top prospect in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Why am I even explaining myself 🤕😂
— Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) February 25, 2025
Early Life and College Career
In the 2019 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Garland with the fifth overall pick. The decision was met with both excitement and skepticism, as his limited college experience left many questions about his durability and ability to transition into the NBA.
However, the Cavaliers saw his immense potential as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, making him a key piece for their rebuilding efforts post-LeBron James.
Garland’s rookie season was filled with ups and downs as he adjusted to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
Playing alongside Collin Sexton, he often faced challenges in balancing scoring and playmaking. Garland averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 35.5% from three-point range.
While the Cavaliers struggled, finishing with a 19-46 record, Garland showed glimpses of his potential, particularly with his smooth shooting and ability to orchestrate the offense.
Darius Garland: Career
Breakout Season and Emerging Leadership (2020-2021)
In his second season, Garland made significant strides in his game. His scoring efficiency improved, and he displayed better decision-making as a primary ball-handler.2
He finished the 2020-21 season averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. His development was a bright spot for the Cavaliers, and it became clear that he was evolving into the team’s primary playmaker.
All-Star Leap and Playoff Aspirations (2021-2022)
The 2021-22 season was a turning point for Garland. He elevated his game to an All-Star level, averaging 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
His impressive performances led to his first NBA All-Star selection. One of his standout moments came in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he exploded for 51 points, scoring 27 in the final quarter.
Garland’s leadership on the floor was instrumental in guiding the Cavaliers to their first serious playoff push in the post-LeBron era. His chemistry with young big man Evan Mobley and newly acquired star Donovan Mitchell formed a promising core for Cleveland’s future.
Continued Growth and Adjustments (2022-2023)
With the arrival of Donovan Mitchell before the 2022-23 season, Garland had to adapt his game to share the backcourt with another high-volume scorer.
Despite this, he remained a critical piece of the Cavaliers’ success, averaging 21.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game.
His ability to coexist with Mitchell allowed the Cavs to secure a playoff spot, marking a return to postseason basketball for the franchise.
Overcoming Injuries and Playoff Experience (2023-2024)
Garland’s 2023-24 season was marked by some injury struggles, limiting him to 57 regular-season games. Despite missing time, he still put up solid numbers, averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game.
The Cavaliers, led by the trio of Garland, Mitchell, and Mobley, made another strong playoff push, gaining valuable postseason experience.
The 2024-25 Season: Taking the Next Step
As of March 2025, Garland is averaging 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game, continuing to establish himself as one of the top point guards in the league.
With another postseason run on the horizon, the Cavaliers are looking to cement themselves as legitimate championship contenders.
Darius Garland: Strengths and Playing Style
Garland’s game is built on speed, elite ball-handling, and a deadly shooting stroke.3
His ability to create space for himself and his teammates makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. Key strengths include:
- Three-Point Shooting: Garland has consistently shot around 39% from beyond the arc in his first five seasons, making him one of the league’s top perimeter threats.
- Playmaking: His vision and passing ability allow him to set up teammates effectively, making him the engine of the Cavaliers’ offense.
- Quickness and Handles: His agility and ball-handling skills help him navigate through defenses and create scoring opportunities.
- Clutch Factor: As seen in his 51-point performance against the Timberwolves, Garland has the ability to take over games when it matters most.
Areas for Improvement
While Garland is an exceptional player, there are areas where he can still improve:
- Defense: Standing at 6’1″, he sometimes struggles against bigger guards. Continued development in defensive positioning and strength will help him become a more complete player.
- Durability: Staying healthy for a full season remains a challenge, as he has dealt with injuries throughout his career.
- Shot Selection: While he is a great shooter, improving efficiency in certain areas, especially inside the arc, will elevate his game further.
As the Cavaliers continue to build around Garland, Mitchell, and Mobley, the future looks bright. With more playoff experience and roster improvements, Cleveland could become a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Garland’s leadership and growth will be crucial in determining how far the team can go.
Also Read: Evan Mobley (Basketball): Contract Breakdown, Career Earnings and More
Darius Garland’s Contract Breakdown
A Deep Dive into His Earnings and Future with the Cavaliers
Darius Garland has become a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, solidifying his position as one of the most talented young point guards in the NBA.
His rise to prominence led to a lucrative contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Let’s take a closer look at the details of his contract, salary breakdown, and career earnings.
With an average annual salary of nearly $40 million, Garland’s contract takes up a significant portion of the Cavaliers’ salary cap. However, his deal aligns with other top players in the league, making it a justified investment.
His presence ensures the Cavaliers remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Could Garland Receive Another Max Extension?
Garland’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, at which point he will be eligible for another extension.
If he continues to perform at a high level, he could secure a supermax extension, potentially worth over $250 million depending on league salary cap projections.
Garland’s contract secures the Cavaliers’ backcourt for years to come. With key teammates like Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell alongside him, the Cavaliers are building a team that could contend for deep playoff runs in the coming seasons.
Breakdown of Darius Garland’s Contract
In July 2022, Darius Garland signed a five-year max contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $197,230,450.
The contract is fully guaranteed, meaning he will earn every dollar of the deal barring any major unforeseen circumstances. The agreement secures his place with the Cavaliers through the 2027-28 season and cements his financial future.
To put his earnings into perspective, Garland’s annual salary for the 2024-25 NBA season is $36,725,670.
Considering a year has 525,600 minutes, if we divide his total salary by the number of minutes, he is earning approximately $70.39 per minute.
Darius Garland’s Career Earnings
As of March 2025, Darius Garland has accumulated career earnings of approximately $99,814,235, according to Spotrac.
These earnings come from his initial rookie contract and his current max extension with the Cavaliers.
Garland entered the NBA in 2019 when he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $29 million with the Cavaliers. This contract covered the seasons from 2019-20 through 2022-23.
Upon proving himself as a franchise cornerstone, the Cavaliers extended his contract with a five-year, $197.2 million max deal in July 2022. This deal ensures an annual salary of $39.4 million on average until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season.
How Much of Darius Garland’s Contract is Guaranteed?
Darius Garland’s five-year deal is fully guaranteed, meaning he will receive the entire $197,230,450 regardless of performance or injury status, unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
Darius Garland’s Contract History
Here’s a look at all the contracts Garland has signed throughout his NBA career:
- July 1, 2019: Signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $29.08 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- July 8, 2023: Signed a five-year max contract extension worth $197.2 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Comparisons with Other NBA Point Guards
To understand where Garland’s contract stands, let’s compare it with some other top-tier NBA point guards:
- Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies): Signed a five-year, $194.3 million contract in 2022.
- LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets): Signed a five-year, $260 million extension in 2023.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers): Signed a five-year, $260 million extension in 2023.
Garland’s contract is slightly lower than Ball’s and Haliburton’s but comparable to Morant’s deal. This suggests the Cavaliers got a solid value deal for a player of his caliber.
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