The Cleveland Cavaliers just got some tough preseason news. Darius Garland, their All-Star point guard and floor general, will miss 4 to 5 months after undergoing surgery on his right great toe.

Garland initially suffered the injury on March 23 in Utah, managing it through the regular season before aggravating it again in the playoffs. Despite the pain, he played through it like a warrior—but surgery became unavoidable.

The timeline means Garland is likely to miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, and potentially the Cavs’ early momentum. This adds pressure to Cleveland’s rotation and raises questions about their backcourt depth—especially with trade rumors already swirling this summer.

The Cavs will now have to tread water without their dynamic playmaker. Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game last season, and his absence will be felt on both ends of the floor.

As the recovery begins, all eyes turn to how the Cavs adapt—and who steps up.