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Clippers rumors: When Darius Garland is expected to return from injury after Cavs trade
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- Clippers rumors: When Darius Garland is expected to return from injury after Cavs trade
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The LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a blockbuster trade that reshapes both rosters, sending veteran James Harden to the Cavs in exchange for 26-year-old guard Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. This significant exchange comes as the Clippers prioritize long-term salary cap flexibility for the summer of 2027, a strategy that previously led to the departures of other key veterans.
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While Harden has performed at a high level this season, averaging over 25 points per game, the team was unwilling to commit to a long-term deal beyond the 2026-27 season.
Consequently, the front office worked with the 36-year-old guard to find a destination that suited his veteran status, eventually landing on a Cavaliers team currently pushing for a deep postseason run in the Eastern Conference.
As reported by Essentially Sports, the acquisition of Garland brings both excitement and medical scrutiny to Los Angeles .
The two-time All-Star has been nursing a Grade 1 right great toe sprain, an injury that has sidelined him for the past nine games and limited him to just 26 appearances this season.
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However, sources familiar with his recovery are optimistic, stating that Garland is expected to be available shortly after the NBA All-Star break. He could make his debut as early as February 19 against the Denver Nuggets at the Intuit Dome.
Garland reportedly views this move as a fresh start, expressing confidence in his fit as the team's primary point guard under coach Tyronn Lue and his ability to complement Kawhi Leonard .
This shakeup follows growing concerns in Cleveland regarding the long-term viability of the Garland and Donovan Mitchell backcourt, which failed to yield significant playoff success.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted that while moving a core piece is always difficult, the Cavaliers felt a change was necessary to alleviate the heavy lifting required of Mitchell, and that Garland's injuries ended up not being a problem at all .
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The trade reportedly stunned the Clippers locker room, with Kawhi Leonard expressing genuine surprise after a recent game, but the organization remains focused on balancing immediate needs with their 2027 financial goals.
Related: Are James Harden, Darius Garland playing tonight? Cavs vs. Clippers injury report
Related: Brian Windhorst pushes back on James Harden's version of Clippers exit
