The Cleveland Cavaliers have been almost perfect for the first 40+ games of the season.
However, even good things can get better.
That’s why, as good as this team has been, they could still be very active in the buyout market.
Should that be the case, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic believes Ben Simmons could make sense as a potential candidate:
“The Cavs seem more likely to be active in the buyout market, but they would have to create roster spots. A veteran like Ben Simmons, should he get bought out by the Brooklyn Nets after the deadline, could be appealing to the Cavs. Simmons is long, athletic and terrific defensively. His career has been a disappointment to this point, but he would arrive in Cleveland with zero pressure or expectations for the first time in his life,” Lloyd said.
Simmons was critical of the Brooklyn Nets’ approach to this season.
He accused them of attempting to lose and tanking for better positioning in the NBA Draft, so he might not feel comfortable there.
However, he’s always been very protective of his money and player rights, so it seems highly unlikely that he would be willing to take a pay cut to be bought out.
More than that, given how much he’s fallen off since being considered a superstar in the making and all the doubts about him and his character, he’s going to have a tough time signing another top-dollar contract in the future.
Simmons will most likely have to prove that he can stay healthy and, more importantly, be mentally strong enough to be an impactful player before any other team trusts him again with a long-term deal.
Also, his larger-than-life personality might drive smaller market teams away, regardless of how great a team the Cavaliers have been this season.
Leaving that aside, he would be a perfect fit for this team from a basketball standpoint.
NEXT: Insider Warns Cavs About Possible Move At Trade Deadline
