Darius Garland addressed reporters for the first time as a member of the LA Clippers on Wednesday, speaking openly about the trade that sent him from Cleveland and the transition into a new role in Inglewood.
“It wasn’t a shock though. It’s the business of basketball,” Garland said during his introductory press conference. “7 years was a really long time and it was great and I’m glad I’m here now. It’s a new journey. Next chapter in my book.”
The All-Star guard was dealt in a blockbuster swap involving James Harden, and he described how quickly the move unfolded. “The trade happened and I was already here, so it wasn’t like that big of a move. So, it was pretty easy for me. Just switch hotels basically.”
Garland emphasized gratitude toward the Cavaliers while acknowledging the realities of roster construction. “Cleveland was great to me and my family and respect for all those guys over there in the organization,” he said. “But basketball is a business and that’s part of it.”
Los Angeles lost 124-89 to Cleveland later that night at Intuit Dome, falling to 23-26 while the Cavaliers improved to 30-21, though neither Garland nor Harden played. Donovan Mitchell led the visitors with 29 points and nine assists as Cleveland forced 24 turnovers and controlled the tempo throughout the game.
The new Clipper spoke about his expected role within Ty Lue’s system and his approach to facilitating alongside established scorers like Kawhi Leonard. “Just try to make his life and everybody else life a little bit easier,” Garland said. “Try to get a lot of people in some catch and shoot opportunities.”
Garland also pointed to his history with Lue as a factor in his excitement about the move. “I’m super excited to play for Ty though. I know what he did with Kyrie and that’s one of my favorite players that I’ve watched,” he said, referencing Lue’s work with Kyrie Irving during Cleveland’s championship run.
Discussing fit, the guard highlighted his playmaking and pick-and-roll reads as key tools. “A ball handler just to bring the ball up the floor… play pick and roll with some of our bigs with Zu with Brook… and then I’m going to let Kawhi work out.”
Despite joining a team outside the current Western Conference playoff picture, Garland stressed that the organization’s goal remains immediate competitiveness. “Yeah, I’m super excited. I mean these guys want to win games and so do I,” he said. “My last three or four years I’ve been in the playoffs so I’m trying to keep that streak continuing.”
He also described the adjustment to a new environment and fanbase. “I feel like the the new kid at school. So just trying to get acclimated and get kind of comfortable,” Garland said. “It’s a beautiful arena and a new energy, new crowd.”
Garland confirmed that his recovery is progressing and that he is awaiting medical clearance before returning to game action. “Recovery is going good. I’m back on the court working out… just waiting on the green lighting. So I’m ready to hoop.”
