Darius Garland is relishing the chance to start a new chapter in his career after he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Garland was announced as a Los Angeles player on Thursday, with the deal seeing 11-time All-Star guard James Harden go the other way as well as a second-round draft pick.

The trade occurred ahead of the Cavaliers' thumping 124-91 victory over the Clippers, with Donovan Mitchell registering 29 points, nine assists and five rebounds for Cleveland. 

Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and seven rebounds while John Collins scored 19 points for the Clippers, who lost for the second straight game and the third time in four outings.

Neither Harden nor Garland were allowed to take part with the trade still pending, but both players were in the building to watch their next teams in action. 

Speaking at half-time, Garland spoke of his surprise learning about the trade as he left a franchise he had been a part of since 2019. 

"I knew about it. It wasn't a shock, though," said Garland, a two-time All-Star. "It's the business of basketball.

"Cleveland was great to me and my family, and I have respect for all of those guys over there.

"Seven years was a really long time, and it was great. I'm glad I'm here now. The next chapter in my book."

Welcome to #ClipperNation, Darius Garland! pic.twitter.com/t2fY6wsLoZ

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 4, 2026

Garland's debut for his new team may have to wait, with the 26-year-old nursing a toe injury he sustained in January.

He made 26 appearances for Cleveland this season and has averaged 18 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists. 

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue is expected to implement a new game plan once Garland is available for selection, and he is looking forward to working with him. 

"He's different from James, and we can play differently at a faster pace," Lue said. "We can play him off the ball more. It's going to be exciting.

"I've known DG for a while and having a young point guard under my tutelage, I think it's the first time I have had one since Kyrie [Irving]."

Part of Cleveland's decision to trade Garland was due to his injury issues. He has only played more than 70 games in one NBA season once (75 in 2024-25).

And though acknowledging the difficulty of making the decision, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson took comfort in knowing Garland will be taken care of by Lue. 

"Those are the toughest calls you have to make, but he goes up on my favourites list," Atkinson said. "I'm going to miss him. We had a great relationship.

"Ty is going to be great for Darius. Ty was a point guard himself and understood the position.

"You know, my relationship with Darius, and to lose it, is kind of a tough day. But the positive is that he is coming to the Clippers and he will be with Ty.

"I expect him to be great here and I'm rooting for him."