Clippers Acquire Garland, Kings Add Hunter in Deadline Deals

Two former Cavaliers teammates set to face off as their new teams meet in Sacramento

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings both made notable trades at the NBA deadline, with the Clippers acquiring point guard Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Kings adding forward De'Andre Hunter from the Cavaliers as well. The two former teammates will now go head-to-head as their new teams meet in Sacramento on Friday night.

Why it matters

The trades for Garland and Hunter shake up the rosters of both the Clippers and Kings, who are jockeying for playoff position in the Western Conference. The matchup between the two former Cavaliers teammates will be an intriguing storyline as the teams face off.

The details

Garland, who has been out with a sprained toe, is expected to make his Clippers debut in the game, while Hunter will suit up for his second game with the Kings after being acquired from Cleveland. The Clippers are hoping Garland's speed and playmaking can provide a boost, while the Kings are pairing Hunter with promising rookie Keegan Murray in their frontcourt.

  • Garland and Hunter were traded from the Cavaliers in separate deals just 48 hours apart earlier this week.
  • Garland last played for the Cavaliers on January 14 due to his toe injury.
  • Hunter made his Kings debut on Wednesday, scoring 9 points in 26 minutes.

The players

Darius Garland

A 23-year-old point guard who was acquired by the Clippers from the Cavaliers in a trade this week. Garland is expected to make his Clippers debut in Friday's game.

De'Andre Hunter

A 25-year-old forward who was traded from the Cavaliers to the Kings earlier this week. Hunter made his Kings debut on Wednesday.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who is excited to add the speedy Garland to his roster.

Doug Christie

The head coach of the Sacramento Kings, who is looking forward to pairing Hunter with rookie Keegan Murray in the Kings' frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

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

“I'm just excited to see them (Hunter and Keegan Murray) together. When you think about it, you got two long wings. They both play the right way for the right reasons. They are team players. They're going to do all the little things that equate to winning.”

— Doug Christie, Head Coach, Sacramento Kings

What’s next

The Clippers and Kings will face off on Friday night in Sacramento, with Darius Garland expected to make his Clippers debut and De'Andre Hunter suiting up for his second game with the Kings.

The takeaway

The trades for Garland and Hunter add new playmaking and defensive talent to the Clippers and Kings, respectively, as both teams look to bolster their rosters for a playoff push in the second half of the NBA season.