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Garland Traded to Clippers in Blockbuster Four-Team Deal

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 3:02 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: California, Ohio, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 5th, 2026 - The NBA landscape shifted dramatically yesterday with a complex, four-team trade culminating in Darius Garland, the two-time All-Star point guard, becoming a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. The deal, involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz, signals a clear intent from the Clippers to aggressively pursue a championship, while the Cavaliers appear to be pivoting towards a comprehensive rebuild.

Garland, speaking at a press conference this morning, expressed his enthusiasm. "I'm incredibly excited to be a Clipper," he stated. "It's a new chapter, a new opportunity to compete at the highest level, and I'm eager to contribute to what we're building here." He also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of leaving Cleveland, adding, "I'll always cherish my time in Cleveland. The fans were amazing, and I developed lasting relationships. But I'm focused now on this new challenge."

The full trade breakdown sees Garland heading to the Clippers. In return, the Cavaliers receive RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the Knicks, along with two second-round draft picks courtesy of the Jazz. The Knicks land Quentin Grimes from the Clippers, completing the intricate exchange.

Clippers' Championship Aspirations Intensify

The Clippers, already boasting stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (both reportedly healthy and entering the prime of their careers, despite past injury concerns), have been consistently a playoff contender, but have yet to reach the NBA Finals. Garland's arrival instantly elevates their offensive firepower. His ability to score, distribute the ball, and create plays off the dribble will alleviate pressure from Leonard and George, offering a dynamic third scoring option.

Analysts are already speculating on how head coach Tyronn Lue will integrate Garland into the existing offensive scheme. The Clippers' reliance on isolation plays could shift towards a more fluid, ball-movement-based approach, capitalizing on Garland's court vision and passing ability. The pairing of Garland with George, a versatile wing player, is particularly intriguing. Their complementary skillsets could create mismatches for opposing defenses.

"This trade signifies the Clippers are all-in for a championship run this year," says ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. "They've shed some depth in Grimes, but the acquisition of a player like Garland is worth the risk. He's a proven scorer and playmaker who can change the trajectory of a game."

Cavaliers Enter Rebuild Mode

For the Cavaliers, the trade marks a significant turning point. While Garland was undoubtedly their most talented player, the front office appears to be prioritizing future assets and long-term sustainability. Barrett, a promising young forward, and Quickley, a dynamic scoring guard, provide a foundation for the rebuild. The two second-round picks add further flexibility.

The decision to trade Garland wasn't taken lightly, sources indicate. The Cavaliers struggled to consistently contend despite Garland's individual brilliance, and the front office believed a change was necessary to unlock the team's potential. There are reports the Cavaliers felt Garland's skillset didn't perfectly complement the evolving team dynamic and that the trade assets offered were too valuable to pass up.

"We appreciate everything Darius did for the Cavaliers," said GM Koby Altman in a statement. "He's a phenomenal player and person. This was a difficult decision, but we believe this trade positions us well for the future."

Knicks and Jazz: Subtle Shifts in Direction

The Knicks' acquisition of Quentin Grimes adds a sharpshooting wing to their roster, addressing a need identified earlier in the season. Grimes' defensive capabilities also align with the team's emphasis on physicality. The Jazz, meanwhile, have accumulated additional draft capital, continuing their trend of stockpiling assets for future trades or player development.

The trade deadline isn't over, and further moves are expected in the coming days. However, the Darius Garland trade has undoubtedly been the biggest story so far, reshaping the competitive landscape of the NBA and setting the stage for an exciting playoff race.