Cavs Traded Garland to Clippers Amid Injury Concerns

Darius Garland opens up about the reasons behind his trade from Cleveland to Los Angeles.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 12:15am

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Darius Garland, the former Cleveland Cavaliers point guard, has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. In a recent interview, Garland revealed that the Cavaliers had concerns about his injury history and health, which likely played a role in the trade. Garland is currently dealing with a toe injury but is excited to join the Clippers and play alongside Kawhi Leonard.

Why it matters

The trade of Darius Garland, a rising star in the NBA, highlights the importance of player health and durability in the league. Teams are often hesitant to commit long-term to players with injury histories, as they seek to build championship-caliber rosters. The Clippers' acquisition of Garland could be a high-risk, high-reward move as they look to improve their standing in the Western Conference.

The details

Garland, who has been sidelined since January 14th with a toe injury, was traded from the Cavaliers to the Clippers at the trade deadline. In a recent interview, Garland revealed that the Cavaliers had concerns about his injury history and health, which likely played a role in the trade. Garland said, "They didn't know if I was going to be healthy for this season, which I will be. But they thought that James [Harden] had something that I didn't, I believe." The Clippers are hoping that Garland can help them improve their 27-28 record and compete in the Western Conference.

  • Garland has been sidelined since January 14th with a toe injury.
  • The trade occurred at the NBA trade deadline.

The players

Darius Garland

A rising star point guard in the NBA who was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard

A superstar forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, who will now be playing alongside Darius Garland.

James Harden

A veteran NBA player who was also involved in the trade between the Cavaliers and Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Darius Garland, NBA Player

“But now, I'm over here in a really good situation. I have the ball in my hand a lot more, where I could do me a little bit more. I have another superstar [Leonard] next to me. I can go get it as well.”

— Darius Garland, NBA Player

What’s next

Garland is looking to return from his toe injury soon and help the Clippers improve their standing in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The trade of Darius Garland highlights the importance of player health and durability in the NBA. Teams are often hesitant to commit long-term to players with injury histories, as they seek to build championship-caliber rosters. The Clippers' acquisition of Garland could be a high-risk, high-reward move as they look to improve their team.