Darius Garland was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the NBA trade deadline. Both teams decided to swap point guards, with Garland being exchanged for Harden in a deal that also sent a 2026 second-round pick to the Clippers.
What Did the Cavaliers President Say To Pour Cold Water on ‘BS’ Reports About Darius Garland?
Garland is currently in the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract. Meanwhile, Harden is making $39.3 million this season, with $13.8 million of his $49.2 million salary for next season guaranteed.
Following the trade that sent Garland to the Clippers, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, spoke up in defense of the guard. The former Cavs guard has been limited this season because of separate toe injuries.
“Koby Altman strongly refutes reports that Cavs were frustrated with Darius Garland’s durability and injury prevention, calling it ‘BS.’ He was getting back to a high level of play, and when he got hurt in that Philly game, we’ve had him for seven years. He’s a great worker,” revealed NBA insider Law Murray.
Garland has dealt with multiple injuries since 2020, including ankle issues on multiple occasions in 2021 and back issues in 2022. Yahoo Sports writer Kevin O’Connor reported that Cleveland was getting frustrated with Garland being in and out of the lineup.
“There’s a sense that he wasn’t doing everything possible to prevent injury. The players, the coaches, and the front office all shared those feelings in not liking his habits the last few years.” O’Connor said in his report that he was recently shot down by Altman.
“If you went to his (Darius Garland) home, you’d see all the modalities that he’s invested in to become the healthiest version of himself. That’s using his own money, getting his own chef, his nutrition, all of it. Like, this is him investing in his body.” Altman also stated.
Darius Garland, Ivica Zubac, and Kobe Brown are all OUT tomorrow vs. the Kings due to “trade pending.” However, Garland recently revealed that he is ready to go following his trade, meaning he may make his debut for the Clippers earlier than expected.
Darius Garland, Ivica Zubac, and Kobe Brown are all OUT tomorrow vs. the Kings due to “trade pending.”
Bradley Beal is the only Clippers player with an injury and remains OUT.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 6, 2026
Harden will make his debut for the Cavaliers on Saturday against the Kings, according to a Wednesday afternoon report from Chris Haynes. The new Cavs signing has averaged 25.4 points per game this season.
“At the end of the day, it is a business, and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place, and are very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.” Harden stated when the trade was announced,
Following the trade, the 11-time All-Star also spoke about wanting to give the Clippers the opportunity to rebuild. And with the signing of Darius Garland, the Clippers have gotten a significantly younger option for the team.
Garland, at 26 years old, has already been an All-Star twice. His best season was in 2024-25, when he averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game as part of the best offense in the NBA. He earned All-Star honors and helped lead the Cavaliers to a 64-win season.
