PHOENIX — Ever since the Los Angeles Clippers were stripped of five first-round picks due to salary cap violations, Phoenix Suns fans have run wild with hypothetical trades to bring Clippers guard Darius Garland to the Valley.
However, it looks like those conversations will remain just that — hypotheticals.
Ok I am going to chime in here on all of these Darius Garland hypotheticals. There have been no discussions between the teams. I do not expect there to be any in the near future. So, I would say this is not going to happen. Suns are going to give Jalen Green every opportunity to… https://t.co/OlJCutpb8q
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 9, 2026
Arizona Sports reporter John Gambadoro stressed in a post on X that neither team has discussed sending Garland to Phoenix, and that the Suns will put their faith in guard Jalen Green to prove himself as a complementary piece to Devin Booker.
Most of this discussion has stemmed from an ongoing conversation about the Suns still not having a “true” point guard, with Garland viewed as a capable candidate to fill that spot — especially with the Clippers more than likely to exchange players for trade capital.
Jan 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) dribbles around center Jarrett Allen (31) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles guard was traded to the Clippers from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the trade that sent James Harden to Cleveland, and last year, averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and shot 46% from the field, proving his impact on the offensive side.
However, Gambadoro’s report provides insight into how the Suns view not only their current core, but Green after a first season in Phoenix troubled by injuries.
Green only played in 32 games last season due to persistent right hamstring injuries. Despite the off year, Green made the most of the minutes he played and averaged 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 42.2% from the field. The numbers, while below his career average, still showcased the type of player he could be with Phoenix when healthy.
Mar 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) goes in for a layup against Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) during the third quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
That appears to be where the Garland conversation ends.
Rather than looking for another piece to fill that role, the Suns appear prepared to give Green another opportunity to prove he can fit alongside their stars and become an important piece for the club as it looks to build on last year’s success.
Mar 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Fans will be left continuing their potential trade lineups, guesses and hypotheticals, but it’s clear Garland won’t be heading to the Valley anytime soon, and Green will be given every chance to prove himself.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
