Darius Garland Says Clippers Trade Helped ‘Get My Joy Back’
The change of scenery appears to have done wonders for Darius Garland. After being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2025-26 season, Garland is now opening up about how much happier he felt on the court after the move.
During a recent appearance on the Ball in the Family podcast, the veteran point guard admitted that joining the Clippers helped him rediscover his confidence and enjoyment of the game.
“It’s been great, bro,” Garland said. “Coming to a system where I can actually be me. Have the ball in my hand for the majority of the game and actually have control of the pace of the game. Just being like a second coach out there, literally. It was fun when I was out there playing, for sure. I got my joy back.”
Darius Garland Thrived In Expanded Clippers Role
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Darius Garland from Cleveland on Feb. 3 in a blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Cavaliers.
At the time, the move raised plenty of eyebrows around the NBA. Garland had spent nearly seven seasons with Cleveland, earning two All-Star appearances and helping lead the franchise back into playoff contention after several difficult rebuilding years. But his role with the Cavaliers had changed over time.
Playing alongside another ball-dominant guard in Donovan Mitchell often limited Garland’s opportunities to fully control the offense. Injuries also disrupted the beginning of his 2025-26 season, as multiple toe issues sidelined him early in the year. With the Clippers, however, Garland immediately stepped into a system that allowed him to operate more naturally as a lead playmaker.
The Numbers Back Up Garland’s Comments
Even though injuries delayed Garland’s Clippers debut, he quickly became one of the team’s most important offensive pieces once healthy.
In Los Angeles, Garland averaged:
- 19.9 points per game
- 6.4 assists
- 2.3 rebounds
- 1.2 steals
He also shot an impressive 47.1 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three-point range.
Perhaps even more importantly, the Clippers looked significantly better when Garland and Kawhi Leonard shared the floor together. Los Angeles posted a 12-5 record in games where both stars were available. That success has fueled optimism that the Clippers may have found a strong long-term backcourt fit.
Why The Fit In Los Angeles Makes Sense
Garland’s comments highlight something that often gets overlooked in the NBA: fit matters just as much as talent.
In Cleveland, Garland sometimes felt overshadowed within an offense that revolved heavily around Mitchell and the Cavaliers’ frontcourt. With the Clippers, he has more freedom to dictate tempo, create opportunities, and operate as the primary initiator. That freedom appears to have reignited his confidence.
The phrase “I got my joy back” stood out to many fans because it suggested Garland may have been feeling restricted or frustrated during his final stretch in Cleveland. Now, he sounds rejuvenated.
Clippers Could Be Dangerous Next Season
If Garland and Leonard can stay healthy, the Clippers suddenly become a fascinating team heading into next season. Garland gives Los Angeles another dynamic shot creator and elite perimeter scorer, while Leonard remains one of the NBA’s most complete two-way stars when available.
The biggest question, as always, will center around health. But based on Garland’s comments and his strong production after the trade, it’s clear the point guard feels revitalized in Los Angeles. And if the Clippers are getting the best version of Darius Garland moving forward, the rest of the Western Conference could have another contender to worry about.
