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Rich Paul discusses Spurs' interest in Darius Garland before Fox trade

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 4:05 PM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Rich Paul discusses Spurs' interest in Darius Garland before Fox trade

Summary

Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, revealed that Darius Garland was initially considered for a trade to the San Antonio Spurs before De’Aaron Fox. Paul indicated that Garland expressed frustration with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making him a viable option. However, circumstances shifted, leading to Fox's eventual acquisition by the Spurs. Fox's willingness to accept a secondary role alongside Victor Wembanyama played a crucial role in solidifying the trade, which has since positioned the Spurs favorably in the league.

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Market Watch

•Rich Paul envisioned Darius Garland as a fit alongside Victor Wembanyama.
•Garland was frustrated with the Cavaliers but remained with the team temporarily.
•De’Aaron Fox's willingness to play as a second option facilitated his trade to the Spurs.
•The timeline shifted after Mike Brown's firing from the Kings.
•Fox's arrival has helped the Spurs return to a competitive position.

Latest Updates

4:05 PMYahoo Sports — Rich Paul Reveals Spurs Nearly Landed Darius Garland Before De’Aaron Fox Trade Materialized

What they're saying

"
Before De’Aaron Fox ever became the San Antonio Spurs point guard, another All-Star guard was being discussed behind the scenes. Speaking recently, the Klutch Sports CEO disclosed that Darius Garland was the player he originally envisioned alongside Victor Wembanyama, with the Cleveland Cavaliers star growing increasingly frustrated in Cleveland at the time. The move never [...]
— Yahoo Sports

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