The James Harden-Darius Garland trade sent shockwaves across the NBA, but power agent Rich Paul saw it coming. The Los Angeles Clippers now have Garland, a two-time NBA All-Star, in the mix, while the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired the services of former MVP Harden. In addition to adding the $197,230,450 guard, the Clippers also received the Cavaliers’ second-round pick in 2026.
Rich Paul Knew It Would Be Darius Garland’s Last Season In a Cavaliers Jersey
Speaking on the latest segment of the “Game Over podcast,” the Klutch Sports head honcho revealed his conversation with Garland.
“In the season, I sat Darius down and explained to him that this was going to be his last year with the Cavs,” Paul told Max Kellerman, “Very matter-of-fact, because I do things very black and white. I told him that’s just the way it was going to be, for several reasons that take too long to get into, but that was my foresight.”
He further added, “I also had a conversation with Kobe Altman, who runs the Cavs, and I said, ‘Kobe, listen, this is what it’s going to be.’ I understand the hope is that they go out, have a great year, and try to contend, but anything short of a championship run means there has to be a change.”
While the Clippers lost Harden’s experience, they now have a player for the future in Garland. He is known for his elite playmaking, high game-awareness, and offensive versatility. Leading up to the trade, the guard averaged 18.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.0% from deep.
It has been a rather injury-riddled run so far for the former Vanderbilt product. He’s played just 26 games so far after missing the start of the season with a toe injury. A right great toe sprain has seen him on the sidelines since January 14.
In the season, the Clippers saw a late surge after a dismal start. They are 23-29 and placed ninth in the Western Conference. The Cavaliers have enjoyed a better run, winning 31 of their 52 games to stay fourth in the East. They are on a two-game winning streak, while the Clippers have lost their last two.
Earlier, Garland spoke about looking forward to playing with the Clippers. “I’m kind of cool, relaxed. A lot of people say I’m nonchalant, but I care about basketball. I care about winning games,” according to The Athletic’s Law Murray. “This is what I dreamed of doing all my life. So just want to put my best foot forward and go out there and try to do as much as I can for Clipper Nation.”
Only time will tell how Garland fits with the Clippers, and whether his addition helps the side make a push for the playoffs.
