Darius Garland introduces himself to the Clippers: “I’m here to win”

Darius Garland’s face said it all. Wednesday night in Inglewood marked the official start of a new chapter in his career: just hours earlier, the trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers had become official, a blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Ohio.

A passing of the torch between different eras, one that Garland embraced with clarity and maturity.

I knew it, it wasn’t a shock. It’s the business of basketball. Cleveland was amazing to me and my family. Seven years is a long time, a really long time. But now I’m here. It’s the next chapter of my book

Darius Garland

A strategic choice: Cleveland looks to the present, the Clippers to the future

The Cavaliers’ decision was driven by immediate needs. With Donovan Mitchell requiring more offensive support and uncertainty surrounding Garland’s health, Cleveland opted for the experience of James Harden, a former NBA MVP and the second-greatest three-point shooter in league history.

On the other side, Los Angeles gets younger, betting on a 26-year-old floor general still in the heart of his prime, especially with an upcoming summer that includes no first-round picks.

Garland, sidelined since January 16 with a sprained right big toe, does not yet have a set debut date in a Clippers uniform. But the feeling is that the wait won’t be long.

I’m ready, just waiting for the green light

Darius Garland

Tyronn Lue and a new system built around Garland

The first to smile is Tyronn Lue, who already sees new tactical possibilities.

He’s different from James, we can play at a higher pace. We can also use him off the ball. Having a young point guard under my guidance… I don’t think that’s happened since the Kyrie Irving days

Darius Garland

A comparison that doesn’t go unnoticed and fuels fans’ imagination. Garland, for his part, doesn’t shy away:

I hope T-Lue uses me the way he used Kyrie during that title run. But I’ll do whatever is needed. I’m here to win

Darius Garland

Farewell to the Cavaliers: respect, affection, and regret

In Cleveland, the separation wasn’t painless. Kenny Atkinson didn’t hide the human side of the decision.

He’s one of my favorite players. These are the toughest calls. I’ll miss him a lot, we had a great relationship

Kenny Atkinson

The relief for the Cavs’ coach is knowing Garland is in the hands of someone who deeply understands the role.

Ty will be perfect for him. He was a point guard, he understands the position. I’m convinced Darius will do great things with the Clippers

Kenny Atkinson

A story that comes full circle in Los Angeles

There’s also a symbolic detail to this landing spot: Winston Garland, Darius’ father, played a season and a half with the Clippers in the early 1990s. A circle closing, as his son looks to write the most ambitious chapter of his career.

It may not have been the change he was searching for. But it could be the one that truly defines him.