So now the Cavaliers are “open-minded” about trading Darius Garland. That’s the word from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who appeared on Cleveland’s ESPN 850 and painted a picture that’s somewhere between “we’re listening” and “bring us a Godfather offer and we won’t hang up.

Garland has been the nucleus of this team since he was drafted with the No. 5 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The only argument the Cavs have in trading Garland is his availability. He’s been extremely injured throughout his career, including the postseason this year, and that’s a problem.

The Cavaliers are led by Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen but moving Garland in a lateral move or upgrade could change the team identity. Cleveland has not reached the Conference Finals since the 2018-19 season and have bowed out in the first two rounds in three consecutive seasons.