Clippers’ Garland looks forward to new phase following trade from Cavaliers
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Darius Garland could not have been more in transition than he was Wednesday night on his first day with his new team.
Officially traded earlier in the day from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers for 11-time All-Star James Harden, Garland discussed his transition during halftime of Wednesday’s matchup between his current and former teams.
“I was aware of it. It wasn’t a surprise, though,” stated Garland, a two-time All-Star. “It’s part of the business of basketball. Cleveland treated me and my family well, and I hold all of those guys in high regard. … Seven years was quite a long time, and it was wonderful. I’m pleased to be here now. The next chapter in my story.”
Garland has been sidelined since January 16 due to a sprained big toe on his right foot, and the Clippers do not have a timeline for his return. However, coach Tyronn Lue anticipates adjusting the game plan once the 26-year-old point guard is available. Garland mentioned that he is prepared to play and is awaiting the green light.
“He’s different from James, and we can adopt a different style with a quicker pace,” Lue remarked. “We can utilize him off the ball more. It’s going to be thrilling. I’ve known DG for a long time, and having a young point guard under my guidance is something I haven’t had since Kyrie [Irving].”
Garland has only played more than 70 games once in his seven seasons due to injuries. He is on track to participate in 42 games this season.
Garland’s uncertain status, along with the Cavaliers’ need to provide star Donovan Mitchell with additional scoring support, prompted Cleveland to trade their young floor leader for Harden, who is a decade older.
Cleveland acquired the scorer they required, who can also handle the point, while the Clippers succeeded in getting younger as they approach an offseason without a first-round draft pick.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson referred to Garland as one of his favorite players. However, that connection was not strong enough to halt the trade for Harden, a former league MVP and the player with the second-most three-pointers in NBA history.
<p"Those are the hardest decisions to make, but he moves up on my favorites list," Atkinson commented. "I'm going to miss him. We had a fantastic relationship."
Atkinson appeared to find solace in passing Garland to Lue, who is recognized for maximizing his players’ potential.
“Ty is going to be excellent for Darius,” Atkinson noted. “Ty was a point guard himself and understands the role. You know, my bond with Darius, and to lose it, is a tough day. But the positive aspect is that he is joining the Clippers and will be with Ty. I expect him to excel here, and I’m cheering for him.”
It may not have been the change Garland anticipated, but he was beginning to appreciate the opportunities of collaborating with Kawhi Leonard.
“I hope T-Lue utilizes me like he did Kyrie during that championship run they had [in Cleveland],” said Garland, whose father Winston Garland played 1½ seasons with the Clippers in the early 1990s. “But whatever T-Lue wants me to be, whatever role he wants me to take on, I’m ready to do that. I’m here to win games.”
