Darius Garland Signs Historic Five‑Year Extension with Cavaliers
CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured their rising star, locking Darius Garland into a five‑year, $197.2 million contract extension—fully guaranteed—solidifying his role as the franchise cornerstone through the 2027‑28 season.
According to Spotrac, the deal carries an average annual value of $39.446 million, making Garland one of the NBA’s highest-paid point guards over the duration . The breakdown: $36.7 million in 2024‑25; $39.4 million in 2025‑26; $42.2 million in 2026‑27; and a cap hit of $44.9 million in 2027‑28 .
When initially agreed upon in July 2022, the extension was reported at $193 million over five years—marking the largest contract in Cavaliers history at that time . Certain performance-based escalators could have elevated the contract to $231 million, though Spotrac indicates the total stands at $197.23 million .
Garland’s Ascension
Since being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Garland has steadily risen to prominence. His 2021‑22 breakout season—21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game—earned his first All-Star selection and justified the extension . As of March 2025, Garland has averaged 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game and garnered a second All-Star nod, affirming his elite status .
Franchise Impact and Financial Commitment
Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman praised Garland’s contract in a press release, calling him “a tremendous basketball player” and highlighting his contributions on and off the court . Analyst reports emphasized the financial implications: Garland’s salary will consume roughly a quarter of Cleveland’s salary cap each season, making this a significant salary cap commitment .
Contract Structure & Guarantees
The all‑guaranteed extension was signed using Garland’s Bird Rights, enabling Cleveland to offer him a max rookie‑scale extension. Full guarantees mean Garland is assured the entire $197.2 million, barring extraordinary events . Without All-NBA selections, the base figures apply; if he qualifies, incentive clauses could unlock the higher-end figures projected in earlier reports .
Strategic Continuity and Team Chemistry
The extension ensures continuity for a Cavaliers core that includes Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Garland’s deal runs parallel with Mitchell’s contract, signaling Cleveland’s long-term strategy to build around this dynamic backcourt .
While questions surfaced last offseason about overlapping roles between Garland and Mitchell, coach Kenny Atkinson’s arrival helped foster offensive synergy, feeding into Cleveland’s franchise-best 64‑18 record in 2024‑25 .
Looking Ahead
Now 25 and entering his prime, Garland is under contract through his age‑28 season, at which point he’ll become eligible for unrestricted free agency—a potential Supermax window if he continues All-Star level play . His contract anchors the Cavaliers’ backcourt, setting expectations for sustained playoff contention and fu
ture success.
—
