It’s looking unlikely that the Pistons will be able to find a trade suitor for Blake Griffin, meaning a buyout—and a wider range of suitors—is probable. From a fit standpoint, teams like the Lakers and Clippers make sense; same with the Nets but if Griffin is looking for opportunity to go along with a possibility of a longer playoff run, the Celtics may represent his best bet.
While he wouldn’t start for the Celtics, Griffin could have a high-usage role off the bench, giving the club 15 minutes per game. Now, how reliable he would be in that role remains a topic for debate.
The former dunk champion has limped around for most of the season in Detroit and he’d certainly need to be on some sort of maintenance plan. However, Boston’s bench continues to be an area of concern, particularly on offense, and bringing in Griffin at a minimum-salary deal off of a buyout is a low-risk option that has the potential to solidify the back end of the frontcourt rotation, something that would allow the team to fill in needs elsewhere with its $28+ million trade exception.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- The Sixers have a need for additional bench help and while they are reportedly in the market for a point guard, going after a wing would be a better option, David Murphy of The Philadelphia Inquirer contends. Adding an extra defender on the perimeter is something that Philadelphia could use in the second unit. For what it’s worth, Doc Rivers recently explained that his worry with the bench was its defense.
- The Knicks haven’t contacted the Hawks about potentially trading for John Collins, Marc Berman of The New York Post hears. Atlanta has a high asking price, seeking a high-level lottery pick in exchange for the big man.
- The Cavaliers and Raptors spoke about an Andre Drummond deal but Doug Smith of The Toronto Star isn’t sold on bringing the big man to Toronto. Center remains an area of need for the Raptors but Drummond’s projected cost (he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season) may be too high for the franchise.
- ICYMI: Drummond, who is currently sitting out of Cavaliers games as he awaits a resolution to his situation, would welcome a trade to the Knicks. New York isn’t the only team in the mix and the Celtics may be emerging as a serious suitor with our own Sam Amico reporting that Boston’s interest is strong.
