Darius Garland Shares His Excitement About Joining the Clippers and Winning Games
Darius Garland Embraces New Chapter with Clippers After Trade from Cavaliers
In a significant shift within the NBA, Darius Garland made his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, marking a major transition from his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland was traded earlier that day in exchange for 11-time All-Star James Harden. His first game with the Clippers took place against the Cavaliers, who won decisively with a score of 124–91.
“I knew about it. It wasn’t a shock, though,” Garland, a two-time All-Star, said during halftime. “It’s the business of basketball. Cleveland was great to me and my family, and I have respect for all of those guys over there. Seven years was a really long time, and it was great. I’m glad I’m here now. The next chapter in my book.”
Garland has been recovering from a right foot injury, specifically a big toe sprain, which has kept him sidelined since January 16. The Clippers do not have a timeline for his return, but head coach Tyronn Lue anticipates a shift in strategy once Garland is back in action. “He’s different from James and we can play different with a faster pace,” Lue noted. “We can play him off the ball more. It’s going to be exciting. I’ve known DG for a while, and having a young point guard under my tutelage, I think it’s the first time I have had one since Kyrie (Irving).”
The trade comes amid concerns regarding Garland’s fitness, as he has struggled with injuries throughout his seven seasons, having only played more than 70 games once. This season, he is on track to play about 42 games.
The trade addressed Cleveland’s urgent need to support star Donovan Mitchell with additional scoring talent, prompting the Cavaliers to trade their young point guard for Harden, who brings a wealth of experience at 10 years his senior. In return, the Clippers not only acquired Garland but also received a second-round draft pick.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged his admiration for Garland, stating, “Those are the toughest calls you have to make, but he goes up on my favorites list. I’m going to miss him. We had a great relationship.” Atkinson expressed confidence in Garland’s future with the Clippers under Lue, emphasizing his belief that Lue will optimize Garland’s potential.
“Ty is going to be great for Darius,” Atkinson added. “Ty was a point guard himself and understands the position. You know, my relationship with Darius, and to lose it, is kind of a tough day. But the positive is that he is coming to the Clippers and he will be with Ty. I expect him to be great here and I’m rooting for him.”
As he adjusts to this new chapter, Garland remains hopeful about his role with the Clippers, particularly in pairing with veteran players like Kawhi Leonard. “I hope T-Lue uses me like he did Kyrie in that championship run they had in Cleveland,” he said. “But whatever T-Lue wants me to be, whatever position he wants me to be in, I’m going to do that. I’m here to win games.”
In Wednesday’s game, the Clippers faced challenges despite strong performances from Leonard, who scored 25 points, and John Collins, who added 19. The team, now navigating this pivotal transition, is seeking to regain its momentum after consecutive losses, a first since a five-game slide in December.
