Darius Garland Believes Trade From Cavs Was Inevitable, Targets Imminent Clippers' Debut

Darius Garland expects to make his Los Angeles Clippers debut shortly, telling Andscape the team's medical staff will determine the exact timeline. The guard has not appeared in a game since January 14, sidelined by a right toe sprain following earlier surgery on his left toe.

Garland, averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists across 26 games this season, was dealt to the Clippers on February 3 in exchange for veteran guard James Harden. He acknowledged his persistent toe troubles were a significant factor in Cleveland's decision to move him.

"The toe definitely had a factor in it," 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 had something that I didn't, I believe. He has experience in playoffs and All-Star numbers still to this day."

Garland, who missed four playoff games in 2025 due to injury, said his agent Rich Paul had informed him a trade was likely as far back as last summer - deadline or otherwise.

"It was going to happen regardless, either at the [trade] deadline or this summer," Garland said. "They want to win right now. They have a group, too. And I guess I really wasn't part of the plan."

Now paired with Kawhi Leonard, Garland sees expanded opportunity in Los Angeles.

"I have the ball in my hand a lot more where I could do me a little bit more," Garland said. "I have another superstar next to me. I can go get it as well."