Darius Garland’s representatives approved his trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers before the deal was finalized, according to Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd.
Garland, represented by Rich Paul and Lucas Newton, has missed considerable time with a toe injury but is expected to return to game action soon.
Despite being comfortable in Cleveland, the player’s camp signed off on the move to Los Angeles, viewing it as a fresh start after more than three seasons playing alongside Donovan Mitchell.
The two-time All-Star welcomed the change of scenery.
Sources say Garland is expected to rejoin the Clippers’ lineup in the near future.
The former fifth overall pick has been sidelined since January 14 due to lingering issues related to toe surgery from last offseason and appeared in just 26 games this season.
League sources indicated that Garland and Mitchell privately had doubts about their long-term fit, even while publicly supporting one another.
The 26-year-old guard struggled at times to adjust his game following Mitchell’s arrival in 2022.
Garland broke out as an All-Star in 2021-22 before signing a five-year, $193 million extension with Cleveland that offseason.
The Cavaliers ultimately included a second-round pick to complete the trade as Garland’s value declined over the past two seasons.
Garland is under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Darius Garland 'Blessed' Trade To Clippers https://t.co/qsneU3qRmU
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 4, 2026
