Simmons triggers the Garland trade to fix the Cavaliers’ sophomore crisis
in 2025 Cleveland Cavaliers they have a winning record this year but have looked inconsistent. They have talent, but they’re stuck with their roster right now because of how much money they owe their best players. This made it difficult for them to try to improve their roster and did not allow for roster flexibility. They may have to make some moves at the trade deadline to allow flexibility, and that starts Darius Garland, who dealt with injuries.
In the latest episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Bill Simmons floated the idea of the Cavaliers trading Darius Garland Chris Middleton for his contract and some choices. That’s because the Cavaliers are stuck on the second apron, which hurts their overall roster flexibility, and a move like this could help them immediately.
Simmons said, “They could trade Garland, but the one-for-one rule they’re handicapped with, they’re really screwed. Like they could do this trade. They could trade Garland to Washington for a contract and Khris Middleton guys. What Washington could think about, but that would only save them $6.2 million. They’d still be under the apron.”
Darius Garland has struggled this season compared to previous seasons in Cleveland. Unable to stay healthy, he played in just 12 of the Cavaliers’ 28 games. Injuries are partly to blame, but Garland’s scoring has also dipped, averaging 15.4 points per game after averaging 20.6 points last season.
The Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, and making a trade like this would give them a player closer to their timeline than Khris Middleton, who is older. Garland is 25 and Middleton is 34 he recently picked up his option in the final year of his contract this season.
That trade could work out well for everyone because Garland has a lot of potential and could get even better where he’s not the other option and has his own team instead, especially in the backcourt. Then, for the Cavaliers, they get some extra help on the wing and attract the capital they desperately need to maintain a flexible roster.
2025-12-19 18:24:00
