Darius Garland was officially traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night in exchange for James Harden, who went to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Clippers also received a second-round pick. 

Reports of a potential trade came out on Monday night as the Clippers were on the floor against the Phoenix Suns. 

As fate would have it, the Clippers hosted the Cavaliers on Thursday night. 

Speaking to the media, Garland spoke about being traded. 

"It's a blessing being here. It was a great time in Cleveland. Started my career off there, took a leap of faith, drafted me at fifth over in five games of college basketball, and it took a leap of faith for drafting me," he said. "So, really appreciate them for everything."

Garland was drafted fifth overall by the Cavaliers in 2019. 

In his seven years with the team, Garland played 408 games and averaged 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. He made the All-Star team in 2022 and 2025. 

Garland said that the last 48 hours were crazy and that he was already in Los Angeles when the trade went down since the Cavs were in town, which made things easier. 

"Getting to the facility, coming to the arena, being around everybody, meeting new faces, meeting new people, super cool. I feel like the new kid at school, so just trying to get acclimated and get kind of comfortable, just getting to know everybody, seeing some of my guys here that I see a lot during the workouts in the summertime and just being here, just having my time here," he said.

Garland closed by saying he's super excited to get started with the Clippers. 

At the moment, Garland is currently sidelined with a toe injury that has kept him out of the lineup since January 14. In 26 games this year, his numbers are around his career averages as he's putting up 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 26 games. 

Garland is a decade younger than Harden, though he's not the scorer or passer that Harden, one of the all-time great offensive players, is. 

Clippers head coach Ty Lue said that his team would play at a faster pace with Garland. 

The Clippers ranked 28th in the league in pace at 96.66. Harden is a methodical creator, sizing up his defender and the overall defense, letting things happen around him before making his move. 

The Cavaliers are eighth in pace, and were tenth last season when Garland played 75 games, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists. 

The Cavs' offense was predicated on movement and going early with Garland finding cutters or open shooters, or getting a good shot for himself. Injuries hampered his playoff effectiveness last season, but during the regular season, he was a three-level scorer who got easy buckets or the best shot for his teammates.