Clippers’ Darius Garland: I hope Tyronn Lue uses me like he did Kyrie Irving for Cavs’ title run

Darius Garland says he wasn’t caught off guard when the Cavaliers traded him to the Clippers.

Garland, 26, was dealt along with a second-round pick in exchange for James Harden, and he told reporters that the move didn’t come as a surprise.

“I knew about it. It wasn’t a shock, though,” Garland said. “It’s the business of basketball. Cleveland was great to me and my family, and I have respect for all of those guys over there.

“Seven years was a really long time, and it was great. I’m glad I’m here now. The next chapter in my book.”

Now in Los Angeles, Garland is focused on fitting alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and learning how head coach Tyronn Lue plans to deploy him.

“I hope T-Lue uses me like he did Kyrie in that championship run they had,” Garland said, referencing Kyrie Irving. “But whatever T-Lue wants me to be, whatever position he wants me to be in, I’m going to do that. I’m here to win games.”

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson thinks Lue will, in fact, be great for Garland.

“Ty was a point guard himself and understands the position,” Atkinson said. “You know, my relationship with Darius, and to lose it, is kind of a tough day. But the positive is that he is coming to the Clippers and he will be with Ty. I expect him to be great here and I’m rooting for him.”