Take a look at the Indiana Pacers. They are in the NBA Finals. Not because they have a plethora of superstars or made a blockbuster trade. They did it because they gave Tyrese Haliburton the keys to the offense and trusted him to lead. That kind of bold move turned Indiana from a middle-of-the-pack team into a legitimate contender.
Now let’s take a look at the Brooklyn Nets, a team stuck in a gray area. They’ve got talent, sure, but they lack identity, leadership, and a clear direction. What they desperately need is a guy like Darius Garland, someone who can be the leader, the playmaker, the spark. If Bill Simmons’ rumors about Cleveland shopping Garland are true, the Nets should be all over it.
Let’s break down why
First off, Garland is only 25 years old, young enough to grow with a team but experienced enough to take over. Last season, he averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and shot 40.1% from three, all while sharing the spotlight with Donovan Mitchell. Yes we know he’s not perfect, his defense is a weakness, and injuries have slowed him down at times, but his offensive skill set is something that absolutely undeniable.
What makes Garland special is what he can do with the ball in his hands: control the pace, create for others, and make clutch plays. Brooklyn’s offense has been fragmented for a while now, bouncing between isolation-heavy sets and hopeful catch-and-shoots. Garland would give them direction and flow.
Cam Thomas, one of Brooklyn’s brightest young scorers, would instantly benefit from Garland’s playmaking. Thomas wouldn’t need to force offense because he’d get cleaner looks. The whole team would operate much smoother and smarter.
Of course, Garland’s salary, which is $126 million over the next three years, is a big commitment. Brooklyn would probably have to give up a high draft pick, which is tough in a deep 2025 draft class. But if they’re serious about making the next step out of mediocrity and back into relevancy, these are risks worth considering.
Look at Indiana’s success with Haliburton.
Haliburton is not the most perfect player in the league, but a perfect fit in a system built around him. Brooklyn needs that kind of player, a playmaker who brings leadership. Garland isn’t Haliburton, but he could be Brooklyn’s version.
The Cavaliers face tough decisions with their expensive core, and Garland might be the odd man out. The Nets have the assets and the motivation to make a splash. If they want to stop being stuck in neutral, grabbing Garland could be exactly what they need. Sometimes you have to bet big to win big. Brooklyn might just have to take that gamble.