In an interview shared by Andscape, star guard Darius Garland opened up about the shocking trade that sent him from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers. The deal, which saw James Harden move to Cleveland, was one of the most significant moves of the 2026 trade deadline.
Garland admitted that his recent toe injury likely played a factor in the Cavaliers’ decision to move him. Despite the surprise, he expressed excitement about pairing up with Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, noting that the trade offers him a fresh start in a championship-contending environment.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the arrival of James Harden has created a high-stakes duo with Donovan Mitchell. The trade marks the end of an era for the “Garland-Mitchell” backcourt, which many fans believed was the future of the franchise.
The NBA community has been buzzing about the implications of this swap. While Garland brings youth and playmaking to the Clippers, Harden provides the Cavaliers with veteran experience and elite scoring as they push for a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
* Dallas Hoops Journal: “Darius Garland opens up about Cavaliers trading him to Clippers: ‘The toe definitely had a factor in it.’”
* CBS Sports: “The 2026 trade deadline saw James Harden moving from the Clippers to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland in a blockbuster swap.”
Echotitbits Take
This is a high-risk, high-reward move for both teams. Cleveland is going “all-in” on Harden’s remaining elite years to win now, while the Clippers are betting that Garland’s health will hold up alongside Kawhi. It’s a fascinating cultural shift for both locker rooms—watch to see if Harden and Mitchell can actually share the ball effectively.
Source: Dallas Hoops Journal — https://dallashoopsjournal.com/p/darius-garland-cavaliers-clippers-trade-nba-rumors-news/ February 20, 2026
Photo Credit: Dallas Hoops Journal
