The Cavaliers’ roster was reshaped at February’s trade deadline, but the fallout from those moves is still making noise. Appearing on the Ball in the Family podcast hosted by Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball, Darius Garland had plenty to say while reflecting on the postseason run of his former team.

The two former Cavaliers agreed on virtually everything: the front office’s moves around the trade deadline – especially the James Harden trade that sent Garland away – ultimately derailed Cleveland’s season.

Lonzo Ball, who was traded to the Jazz before entering free agency, voiced strong doubts about coach Kenny Atkinson’s playoff management.

If the goal was to win a championship, I don’t think that was the right path. Personally, I think we would’ve gone a lot further with us on the roster, but I always bet on myself. We had a better team

Lonzo Ball

Ball’s on-court impact in Cleveland was limited (4.6 points per game on 30% shooting from the field, perhaps still affected by his recovery from a left knee injury), and his departure primarily served to create salary-cap flexibility.

Watching that last series, I kept thinking: ‘You traded away guys that you’re not even using now.’ Tyson got glued to the bench after dominating all year. Qwan, who’s your energy guy, never saw the floor. Everything I saw during the regular season disappeared in the playoffs. It’s hard to win when you don’t have an identity

Lonzo Ball

It’s difficult to argue that Ball’s presence alone would have changed the outcome of the series against the Knicks, especially considering that James Harden, who plays the same position, provides an offensive impact that Ball – still limited by injuries – would struggle to match.

The conversation is different when it comes to Darius Garland, whose move to the Clippers cost Cleveland far more production. Before the trade, Garland was averaging 18 points and nearly seven assists per game. The point guard fully backed his former teammate’s assessment.

I agree with Zo. It was almost hard to watch. I didn’t catch many games, but whenever I tuned in, it was rough. Especially remembering how we played at the beginning of the year. It was literally a 180-degree turn. What was happening on the court was completely different

Darius Garland

Before Garland’s departure, rumors had circulated about growing tension in Cleveland’s backcourt with Donovan Mitchell. Garland himself appeared to validate those reports, explaining that he has rediscovered his joy for the game in Los Angeles within a system that puts him back at the center of the action.

It’s amazing being in a system where I can be myself, have the ball in my hands most of the time, control the pace, and basically be a second coach on the floor. I had so much fun. I found my love for the game again

Darius Garland

The Cavaliers finished their Eastern Conference Finals run with a bitter taste in their mouths, accompanied by some questionable comments from Harden regarding his impact against the Knicks.

The lingering question remains whether things would have been different with Garland and Ball still in Cleveland – or whether, like Harden, their contributions still would not have been enough against the powerhouse that New York proved to be.