Darius Garland Reveals He Knew Cavaliers Tenure Was Ending

The star point guard was prepared for a trade after realizing his time in Cleveland was coming to a close.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the players, court, and movement of the game. The conceptual illustration captures the transition and shift in the Cavaliers' franchise as they move on from Darius Garland.Garland's trade signals a new era for the Cavaliers, as the team navigates a costly roster and championship aspirations.Los Angeles Today

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has revealed that he knew his tenure with the team was coming to an end before he was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the NBA trade deadline. Garland, who has dealt with injuries for much of the season, said his agent Rich Paul had discussed the likelihood of Garland leaving Cleveland as early as last summer.

Why it matters

Garland's departure from the Cavaliers signals a shift in the franchise's direction, with Donovan Mitchell now firmly established as the team's centerpiece. The Cavaliers' expensive roster and luxury tax concerns may force them to make difficult decisions this offseason if they fail to win a championship.

The details

Garland revealed that he approached this season knowing it would be his last in Cleveland, with his agent Rich Paul telling him last summer that a trade was likely coming. The Cavaliers ultimately dealt Garland to the Clippers as part of a trade for James Harden at the deadline. Garland has struggled with injuries, playing in just 39 games between the two teams this season.

  • Last summer, Garland's agent Rich Paul discussed the likelihood of Garland leaving Cleveland.
  • At the NBA trade deadline in 2026, the Cavaliers traded Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The players

Darius Garland

The former Cleveland Cavaliers point guard who was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Donovan Mitchell

The star player who has emerged as the face of the Cavaliers franchise, overshadowing Garland's role on the team.

Rich Paul

Darius Garland's agent, who discussed the likelihood of Garland leaving Cleveland with him last summer.

Dan Gilbert

The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who has been willing to pay large amounts of luxury tax in order to build a championship-contending team.

James Harden

The star player the Cavaliers acquired in the trade that sent Darius Garland to the Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“It's a new chapter of my life. Rich talked about it even last summer, before it happened, [saying] it's probably going to be our last year there. So, I was ready for it. I knew it was going to come sooner or later. So, when it happened, I was like, 'Let's just do it. Let's rock out.'”

— Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Point Guard

What’s next

The Cavaliers will need to decide this offseason whether to sign James Harden to a contract extension and how to build around their expensive core of Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. Failure to win a championship this season could force the team to make difficult roster decisions.

The takeaway

Darius Garland's departure from the Cavaliers signals a shift in the franchise's direction, with Donovan Mitchell now firmly established as the team's centerpiece. The Cavaliers' expensive roster and luxury tax concerns may force them to make difficult decisions this offseason if they fail to win a championship.