Clippers Acquire Cavs' Garland in Harden Trade

Lue expects faster pace with new point guard as Clippers look to contend

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:55am

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The Los Angeles Clippers have acquired two-time All-Star point guard Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade that sent 11-time All-Star James Harden to Cleveland. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue expects to implement a faster-paced game plan with the 26-year-old Garland, who is recovering from a toe injury. Garland, who has played more than 70 games just once in his seven NBA seasons due to injuries, is eager to start a "new chapter" with the Clippers.

Why it matters

The trade gives the Clippers a younger, pass-first point guard to pair with star Kawhi Leonard as they look to contend for an NBA title. Garland's injury history is a concern, but Lue believes he can get the most out of the young floor general and play to his strengths with an up-tempo style.

The details

In the trade, the Clippers sent 11-time All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland, a two-time All-Star, has been out since Jan. 16 with a toe injury, but is eager to get on the court with his new team. Lue expects Garland to provide a different dynamic than Harden, allowing the Clippers to play at a faster pace.

  • The trade was completed on February 5, 2026.
  • Garland has been out since Jan. 16 with a toe injury.

The players

Darius Garland

A two-time NBA All-Star point guard who was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who expects to implement a faster-paced game plan with Garland on the team.

James Harden

An 11-time NBA All-Star who was traded from the Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the deal for Garland.

Kawhi Leonard

The star forward of the Los Angeles Clippers, who Garland is expected to team up with as the Clippers look to contend for an NBA title.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who called Garland one of his "favorite players" despite trading him.

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What they’re saying

“I knew about it. It wasn't a shock, though. 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.”

— Darius Garland, NBA Player

“He's different from James and we can play different with a faster pace. 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].”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach, Los Angeles Clippers

“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.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers

“Ty is going to be great for Darius. 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.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers

What’s next

Garland is expected to make his Clippers debut once he recovers from his toe injury, which has kept him sidelined since mid-January. The Clippers and Cavaliers will face off again on March 15, 2026, giving Garland an early chance to play against his former team.

The takeaway

The trade of Darius Garland from the Cavaliers to the Clippers represents a changing of the guard for both teams. The Clippers get a younger, pass-first point guard to pair with Kawhi Leonard, while the Cavaliers land a proven scorer in James Harden to help Donovan Mitchell. Both teams are hoping the deal will help them contend for an NBA championship.