In one of the more surprising NBA trade deadline deals, the Cleveland Cavaliers dealt guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for future Hall of Fame guard James Harden.
It came as a shock to some because of the Clippers’ improved play and Garland’s youth, but with the Cavs going all in in an open Eastern Conference and the Clippers needing to get younger, it makes sense, despite the Clippers lacking a first-round pick.
Darius Garland Shares His Thoughts on the James Harden Trade
Despite fans and pundits being surprised by the deal, Garland himself was not. In fact, he’d already spoken to his agent, Rich Paul, about it.
“It was going to happen regardless, either at the [trade] deadline or this summer. [My agent] Rich [Paul] had that conversation with me last summer,” Garland said. “But yeah, the toe definitely had a factor in it. They didn’t know if I was going to be healthy for this season, which I will be.
“But they thought that James had something that I didn’t, I believe. He has experience in playoffs and All-Star numbers still to this day, even though he wasn’t an All-Star this year. But yeah, they want to win right now. They have a group, too. And I guess I really wasn’t part of the plan.”
Although he didn’t discuss loyalty or celebrate the deal like Harden, Garland pointed out his health issues, specifically his toe, and they’ve once again crept up this season.
Garland played in just eight of Cleveland’s first 24 games and has appeared in just 26 total this season due to a Grade 1 right great toe sprain. Garland is now considered week-to-week with speculation that he won’t see the floor until March at the earliest.
Garland is averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game this season. He’s shooting 45.1% from the floor, 36.0% from three, and 86.1% from the free-throw line.
Garland Is Excited About Los Angeles
Despite the disappointment in his tone and frustration with his injuries, Garland is still excited for the future.
“I’m super excited about L.A. life,” Garland told Andscape. “The first day, I literally called my mom and said, ‘This is the first time I’ve seen sun in February.’ Waking up to the sun instantly changed my whole mood. I woke up earlier, getting a little bit of sunlight before I headed out to practice, just enjoying the scenery and riding around a bit.”
“I already know the layout of the land. I’ve been here for a couple years in the summertime. So, I’m pretty used to seeing a lot of faces, and I’ve connected with a couple people. I’m excited being in a big market. And just being in L.A. playing for the Clippers is one thing. So, I’m super excited for it.”
In the end, Garland is excited about his new chance.
“I’m good with the change,” Garland said. “When it first happened, I was kind of skeptical. But I couldn’t turn down this opportunity to play with another Hall of Famer [Leonard] and having a ball in my hands damn near 99 percent of the time.”
It’s good to see Garland having such a positive attitude, and if he can return to the court soon, he could still make a postseason impact. The Clippers are currently 27-29, ninth in the Western Conference, and have a half-game lead over the 10th-seed Blazers and a five-game lead over the 11th-place Memphis Grizzlies.