The Los Angeles Clippers expect newly acquired guard Darius Garland to take the floor Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, NBA on Prime insider Chris Haynes reported on social media.
Garland, 26, has been sidelined since January 14 while managing a left toe issue and a right great toe sprain. He played 26 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to Los Angeles on February 4 in a deal that sent James Harden to Ohio.
The former All-Star’s toe problems date back to last season’s playoffs, where he missed four games — including two home losses to Indiana — during Cleveland’s second-round exit. Those lingering concerns factored into the Cavaliers’ decision to move on from their point guard.
The Clippers view Garland as a long-term fit for their up-tempo style. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season, with scheduled salaries of $42.2 million and $44.9 million over the next two years, providing the club with cost certainty beyond Harden’s expiring deal.
Despite limited action this year, the two-time All-Star has averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists in 30.5 minutes, shooting 45.1 percent from the field, 36.0 percent from three and 86.1 percent from the free-throw line.
Los Angeles has rebounded from a rough start to sit at 27-31, five games ahead of 11th-place Memphis for the Western Conference’s final play-in slot. After moving Harden and center Ivica Zubac in separate trades, the Clippers will enter the stretch run with a younger, quicker roster.
Source: Hoops Rumors
