The NBA’s punishment of the Los Angeles Clippers may end up forcing the franchise into some uncomfortable roster decisions, and Darius Garland has already been floated as one possible name to watch.
Los Angeles was hit with a loss of five first-round picks, a blow that changes the way the team has to think about the future. When draft capital gets stripped away like that, every asset matters a little more, and it becomes easier to imagine the Clippers looking at the roster with an eye toward what can be turned into future picks.
That’s where Garland comes in. Sean Deveney of Heavy suggested the guard could become part of that fallout, writing: “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,” Sean Deveney wrote.
He added, “Anyone want to give up two picks for him?”
Garland moving would not be a shocking idea on its face. He could bring back some value in return, and for a team trying to recover from a major loss of draft picks, that matters.
But he also is not the kind of player who would suddenly net a massive haul. The thought here is more about getting something useful back than landing a blockbuster package.
Still, with the Clippers now dealing with the consequences of the NBA ruling, Garland is one of the names that could wind up in the conversation as Los Angeles tries to rebuild its asset base.
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