The Los Angeles Clippers could consider putting Darius Garland on the trade market as the franchise looks to replenish its depleted draft capital following the NBA’s punishment over salary-cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard.
Sean Deveney of Heavy reported Friday that the league’s penalties could trigger a broader roster reset in Los Angeles, with Garland potentially becoming a trade asset as the Clippers attempt to recover future draft picks.
“Darius Garland, Clippers. (Remaining contract: two years, $87 million.) The Aspiration-Kawhi Leonard punishment could set into motion a series of events that winds up with Garland being placed firmly on the market as the Clippers seek to recoup as many future draft picks from the roster,” Deveney wrote.
Garland joined the Clippers during the 2025-26 season after spending the first six years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He appeared in 19 games for Los Angeles, starting 17, and averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 29.1 minutes per game.
The 26-year-old guard shot 47.1% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range with the Clippers. His 3.3 three-pointers per game on 7.6 attempts represented a significant improvement over his 36.0% three-point shooting in 26 games with Cleveland.
Garland finished the 2025-26 season averaging 18.8 points and 6.7 assists in 45 games between Cleveland and Los Angeles. He shot 46.0% overall, 39.6% from three-point range and 86.1% from the free-throw line.
The production reflects a player with a proven offensive track record. Garland made the All-Star team in 2021-22 after averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists for Cleveland, then averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 assists the following season.
He also earned All-Star honors again in 2024-25, when he averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range.
The Clippers’ potential decision comes after the NBA imposed one of the most significant penalties in league history. Los Angeles was fined $30 million and ordered to forfeit its first-round picks in the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 NBA Drafts after an independent investigation found the franchise violated salary-cap circumvention rules in connection with Leonard.
The organization also lost key executives temporarily, with owner Steve Ballmer suspended for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker suspended for one year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank suspended for six months.
The Clippers finished 42-40 and ninth in the Western Conference last season before trading Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. With five future first-round picks already forfeited, acquiring additional draft capital could become a priority for the organization.
Garland’s remaining two years and $87 million could make him one of the Clippers’ most significant trade assets. Whether Los Angeles actually moves him, however, remains dependent on how the franchise evaluates its roster and the return available in the trade market.
