Former NBA guard Lou Williams presented an opportunity for the Cleveland Cavs to improve their roster by trading All-Star Darius Garland ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Williams believes a change of scenery for Garland could be a win/win situation, especially amid the Cavs’ consistent injury setbacks this season.
For Williams, Garland has proven that he plays at his absolute best as a number one option, which is a clash between All-Star Donovan Mitchell that the Cavs cannot figure out, he said, per FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
“They have to figure out what the future is with Darius Garland. He can be a lead guard somewhere, and he’s also going to bring some value,” Williams said. “If you put him in the trade market, you’re gonna bring in really valuable pieces that’s going to move you forward. Obviously, he’s a head guy. He’s 1A guy. It is what it is — he’s a 1A guy. He needs the basketball to be successful.
“He needs to be the lead to be successful. Right now, it’s just not working how it is. So, if you shop a guy like a Darius Garland, you free up a Donovan Mitchell to do everything he’s already doing, but you allow Garland to go out there, and do the same thing.”
Trading Darius Garland would be a big move for the Cavs, whose backcourt has been riddled with injuries all season long. But it would yield a significant haul, considering Garland’s age, and superstar potential.
Lou Williams warns Cavs not to trade for Anthony Davis
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As for the Cavs swinging a potential move for the Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, Williams is warning them to look elsewhere, due to Davis’ injury-plagued season.
“I don’t know if Anthony Davis is the answer. Again, last night he got hurt again,” Williams added. “Great name. Great champion. Great player. But, at this point of his career, availability is going to be the problem. If he can be available, he’s one of the best bigs in the league. But that is a huge if. That’s my only problem right now.”
Williams says the Davis talk has reached fans in Atlanta amid trade rumors, but his injury-plagued seasons over the years is something Hawks fans worry about in a potential move for the future Hall of Fame big.