Darius Garland wasn’t particularly surprised that the Cavaliers traded him to the Clippers. The 26-year-old guard was dealt, along with a second-round pick, for James Harden.
“I knew about it. It wasn’t a shock, though,” Garland said, per Doug Padilla of The Associated Press. “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.”
Garland will now try to develop chemistry with Kawhi Leonard. He’s eager to see how coach Tyronn Lue plans to utilize him.
“I hope T-Lue uses me like he did Kyrie (Irving) in that championship run they had (in Cleveland),” he said. “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.”
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- The Warriors didn’t acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Hawks in an impending trade without some assurances that the big man will return to the court soon, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania. Porzingis hasn’t played since Jan. 7, but the ESPN duo hears that the Warriors anticipate Porzingis will get back in action soon after joining Golden State. Porzingis has played only 17 games this season due to illness and left Achilles tendinitis.
- The injury-riddled Nuggets now have another ailment to overcome. Peyton Watson, who is enjoying a breakout season, injured his hamstring during the fourth quarter of their double overtime loss to New York on Wednesday, Tim Bontemps of ESPN reports. “Waiting to see the MRI,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said. “But just seeing so much of this this year. I just feel bad for the guys in the locker room. It’s deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you when you’re trying to build towards something.” Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun recently returned after missing chunks of time, while Aaron Gordon is currently dealing with a significant hamstring strain and Cameron Johnson has been out since before Christmas with a knee injury.
- Scotty Pippen Jr. is close to making his season debut for the Grizzlies. Pippen, who underwent toe surgery in October, is in the final stages of his rehab, Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal tweets. Coach Tuomas Iisalo is optimistic Pippen could return as early as this week. Pippen averaged 9.9 points and 4.4 assists in 79 games last season.
It is ok. KP.
Warriors are not able to win anything this year
Sillivan 👎👎
Sillivan !!!! KP is a very skilled shot blocker, shot maker, and overall productive player.
If this guy stays on the floor, who knows what can happen? If he’s nicked up and doesn’t play when he’s needed then you’re right, but we don’t know that just yet.
Give the kid a chance. He wants it as much as anyone.
KP is ill and injured. He is pretty much done, imo
👎
If he’s done and a salary piece, he’ll be traded in the next hour.
If he’s ready to go, he’ll play and he’ll be great. No one knows how long he’ll be great, but when he plays, he’s great.
Warriors dump $14 million on KP trade and $1 million +plus luxury tax this season
Where do you get your numbers. The Warriors have sent out $35 million and taken back $30.
Warriors sent out $31.7 million and take back $30.7 million
Kuminga 22.5 M
Hield $9.2 M
Add TJD’s contract. They were at $178 million. Luxury tax is $187 million.
The only teams to not make a trade yet are:
Nuggets – no need
Rockets
Pacers – no need
Heat
Spurs – no need
I give Huge F to two teams only — Rockets and Heat
Porzingis is a win for the Warriors.
If he is done, they $30 million of the books going into free agency. They tank and get a better pick in the draft.
If shows some life, they can probably sign him to a cheap contract and get desperately needed help at center. They might also be able to go FA shopping.
If he really shines next season, they have his Bird rights. Or they can do a sign and trade in what would be a rebuilding off season.
Lots of winning.
Lol, or lots of wishful thinking.