The Cleveland Cavaliers have apparently agreed to an early contract extension with Darius Garland. The All-Star earns the largest contract in franchise history.
This is reported by Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN), who received the info directly from Garland’s agent, Rich Paul. Garland will soon sign a new contract that will net him at least $193 million over another five years.
The Designated Rookie Extension could grow to $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team next season. Then, according to Bobby Marks (ESPN) grow to $52.7 million in the last contract year of the Supermax renewal. A player option is supposedly not included.
The 22-year-old made his breakthrough last season after a mixed start to his NBA career as the 5th pick in the 2019 draft. In the past season, the point guard averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists at 46, 2 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from downtown. His performances earned him his first spot on the All-Star Team.
Garland was an important factor in the surprisingly strong Cavs season, while Cleveland made it into the Eastern Conference play-in tournament with a record of 44-38. Cleveland ended the season on a positive note for the first time since LeBron James left in 2018. Along with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, he is one of the cornerstones of the young, up-and-coming Cavs team.
After Zion Williamson (5 years, up to $231m) and Ja Morant (also 5 years, up to $231m), Garland is the third player from the 2019 draft class to max out a rookie extension receives references. Garland’s current rookie contract runs until 2023, after which an extension to 2028 will come into effect.
