When the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Darius Garland from the Cleveland Cavaliers for James Harden, it signaled that the team was ready for a reset and wanted to get younger. Garland, who was a two-time All-Star with the Cavs, was the perfect fit for that agenda.
Even though he only suited up for 19 games, Garland was efficient and explosive offensively for the Clippers. He was the perfect fit next to Kawhi Leonard and looked very comfortable as the lead handler, which came as no surprise.
To further brighten their outlook, LA also landed the fifth pick in the draft this year, thanks to the Ivica Zubac trade. However, given how the draft may play out and who the Clippers have brought in for prospect workouts, it could impact Garland.
Darius Garland’s long-term future in LA could be uncertain after the NBA Draft
Garland has two years left on his current deal, but is eligible for a three year, $177 million contract extension this summer. If he doesn’t end up extending, then that could become a sneaky storyline to monitor around the league. LA’s extension decision could also be impacted by who they select in the draft.
The Clippers have brought in Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. for workouts and he has reportedly been impressive. Brown Jr. has also cancelled workouts with other teams, signaling that he may have received a promise from LA or Atlanta, the other team he worked out for.
Brown Jr. is one of the best guard prospects in the draft and while he could play either guard spot, but a backcourt of him and Garland would be small and could be exploited. Plus, if developed, Brown Jr. could be a point guard at his peak.
So would the Clippers want two small guards, which is a problem that the Cavs had? That is what they have to decide.
If they do end up selecting Brown Jr., they could see how he fits with Garland, while making him play out his contract. If it doesn’t work next season, they could end up moving Garland as an expiring $44 million contract in a trade.
Either way, Garland’s long-term future in LA will be something to monitor, even though he just got there. Building around a small backcourt is one of the hardest things to do in the NBA, a reality Cleveland had to deal with for years with Garland and Mitchell. So, if the Clippers do end up taking Brown Jr. or another guard in this year’s draft, Garland’s long-term future immediately comes into question.