Darius Garland wasn’t blindsided by the trade. He saw it coming.
Speaking with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Garland said he knew as far back as last summer that a move away from the Cavaliers was likely. The only question was timing.
A lingering toe issue played a major role. Garland appeared in just 26 games this season, and the uncertainty around his health forced Cleveland’s hand. According to Garland, the organization wasn’t sure he’d be ready to go, even though he remains confident he will be.
There was also the direction of the team. Cleveland is in win-now mode, and Garland acknowledged the Cavs believed James Harden brought something he didn’t. Playoff experience. A longer résumé. A comfort level in big moments that mattered to decision-makers.
“He has experience in playoffs and All-Star numbers still to this day, even though he wasn’t an All-Star this year,” Garland said. “But yeah, they want to win right now. They have a group, too. And I guess I really wasn’t part of the plan.”
Garland didn’t sound bitter. More realistic than anything else.
He understood the math. The Cavs believe they have a group capable of making a run, and they didn’t see him as part of that plan anymore. Whether that assessment proves correct will be judged in May and June.
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