Finding a trade for Griffin — who was owed a remaining $36.6 million this season, and $39 million in 2021-2022 prior to the buyout — was an insurmountable challenge for the Pistons. Detroit finalized a reduction in his remaining salary to gain free agency with Griffin’s agent, Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports, since the sides mutually agreed he would leave the active roster on February 15 awaiting a trade or a buyout.
NBA Rumor: Blake Griffin Trade?
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Heat the betting favorites in event of Blake Griffin trade
Jorge Sierra: Miami the odds-on favorite to land Blake Griffin if a trade happens, per @betonline_ag. pic.twitter.com/vKo21eWx9p
NBA execs weigh in on potential Blake Griffin trade
After the mutual decision by both parties, HoopsHype spoke with seven NBA executives for their thoughts on whether Griffin can be traded or what value he can bring to a playoff contender if he hits the buyout market. “I know they’ve been trying to trade him for months and can’t find a taker,” a Western Conference executive told HoopsHype. “Part of it is Blake also saying there are certain teams he would prefer to go to. This is a weird one. Non zero chance they buy him out, which just seems crazy.”
“I see Detroit trying to get off some money but would probably have to take back multiple contracts with money going out,” another Eastern Conference executive told HoopsHype. “I don’t know who would take him. It’ll probably end in a buyout with him giving money back. I’m guessing his agent is calling teams to see who wants him and what they would be willing to pay him so Blake won’t lose any money.”
Dwane Casey says finding a Blake Griffin trade a mutual decision
James Edwards III: Casey on Griffin and Rose: “We want to accommodate those guys.”
Omari Sanfoka II: Dwane Casey said he believes Blake Griffin can help any contender
Blake Griffin to sit while Pistons pursue trade scenarios
Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons have agreed that he will be out of the lineup until the franchise and his representatives work through a resolution on his playing future, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver told ESPN. The Pistons will continue to pursue trade scenarios involving Griffin and talks on a contract buyout with his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports could eventually come into focus.
The Pistons are moving toward a rebuild under Weaver, and this gives the franchise a chance to play younger players as Griffin moves toward finding a role on a contending team. “After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Weaver told ESPN on Monday. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”
In a statement, Griffin told ESPN: “I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward.”
Bobby Marks: Blake Griffin has a total of $53.7M owed to him for the remainder of 2020-21 and all of 2021-22. Any contract can be moved but this one is the most challenging in the NBA. Cap hit of $36.8M and $39M (player option).
In an intriguing piece of detail in this offseason, Zach Lowe of ESPN, divulged that the Detroit Pistons approached the Washington Wizards for a possible trade involving Blake Griffin and John Wall. Via Zach Lowe of ESPN: “The Pistons in recent weeks made an exploratory call to the Washington Wizards about a potential swap of Blake Griffin for John Wall, sources said, but Detroit’s real level of interest in that deal is unclear; they value Griffin, and the conversation led nowhere, sources said.”
Ryan McDonough: League sources confirm that the Nuggets will not be trading for Pistons PF Blake Griffin. Despite having Free Agents Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee leave Denver for Detroit, the Nuggets will focus on their young star Michael Porter Jr as well as resigning Free Agent Paul Millsap
I’m told Golden State would prefer to add a veteran rotation player and move back in the lottery in exchange for this pick, with Andrew Wiggins and his massive salary a candidate to move elsewhere to make money work. They are certainly comfortable picking further down based on the players they’ve worked out. The most logical trade partners here are San Antonio and Detroit: Both can use a long-term center in Wiseman, have lottery picks to send back, and can offer All-Star-caliber bigs (albeit aging ones) in LaMarcus Aldridge or Blake Griffin, respectively.
Lowe had this to say on his podcast: “Enough people have asked me what I’ve heard about Blake Griffin and how he’s looking, that I think Detroit is gonna have a market for him. I don’t think it’s gonna be strong, but I think there is still interest in what he can do to help you win.” I also have heard a little noise about Griffin’s health and availability. Now, I don’t get the sense the Pistons are eager to trade him just to trade him. From all accounts, the knee injury that forced him to miss most of last season has healed and he’s feeling fine. The last time we saw Griffin with two working knees, he was All-NBA and one of the league’s 20 best players. The Pistons don’t want to be a doormat, and they appear to be confident he still has good basketball left in him, with only two years left on his deal.
I also have heard a little noise about Griffin’s health and availability. Now, I don’t get the sense the Pistons are eager to trade him just to trade him. From all accounts, the knee injury that forced him to miss most of last season has healed and he’s feeling fine. The last time we saw Griffin with two working knees, he was All-NBA and one of the league’s 20 best players. The Pistons don’t want to be a doormat, and they appear to be confident he still has good basketball left in him, with only two years left on his deal.
Still, no one on this roster is untouchable, and finding a partner for a Griffin trade might not be as challenging as it may have seemed even two months ago. Many teams have a championship or playoff window on which they’d like to capitalize, and others may be looking to return to relevancy. The Pistons are one of the few teams with cap space this offseason, so they could receive calls on Griffin’s availability.
It’s unlikely the Pistons could trade Griffin right now, due to his health and contract. If they could, though, they’d probably have to give up either a first-round pick(s) and/or young players like Kennard and Sekou Doumbouya. Detroit is not in the position to be giving away assets, especially just to get off a contract. The Pistons need more assets, not fewer.
Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose part of Pistons' future?
A fresh chapter in Detroit Pistons franchise history is set to be written next season, but new general manager Troy Weaver still sees veteran stars Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose as part of the “plans going forward.” Griffin, 31, is coming off left knee surgery after playing in just 18 games this season. “I’m excited about having the chance to work with Blake,” Weaver, a longtime Oklahoma City Thunder executive, said Monday at his introductory news conference. “Obviously, being in Oklahoma City for the last 12 years, I remember Blake quite well, playing at OU and his family being around there, being from Oklahoma City. So, I’m very familiar with Blake.
Pistons not giving up on Blake Griffin
That puts Griffin, who has another guaranteed year left on his contract and a player option worth nearly $39 million in 2021-22, in an awkward position. He’s the franchise player, but is also 31, coming off of season-ending surgery and likely exiting his prime years. How does he fit into Detroit’s plans? “That’s up to the front office,” Griffin said in a video conference call Thursday. “Depends on what they want to do and how they want to go about it. At a certain time, at the right time, I’ll have those conversations.”
He appears to be at peace with the possibility of remaining in Detroit for the long haul. Griffin said as long as he’s here, he’ll do whatever the franchise asks. “If I’m on the Detroit Pistons, I’m doing everything I can to prepare to play for them and win games,” Griffin said. “That’s just how you’re wired to play as far as what we do in the offseason, what we’re going to do next year, that’s going to be up to them. Whenever the time is right, we’ll have that conversation.”
It’s impossible for Detroit to indulge in a full-scale rebuild with Griffin’s contract on the books. His trade value at this moment is low. There’s a sense around the league that Detroit would need to attach an asset or two for someone to seriously listen. But if the Pistons do that, their revolving-door problem of punting on assets would persist.
Griffin likely isn’t going anywhere if the Pistons continue to stay the course for the duration of his contract, which expires after 2021-22. If a rebuild is in the cards, though, one would imagine the Pistons try to move his money. According to one league source, Griffin’s value has dipped because of the injury to start the year, the contract and his age, but that source wouldn’t be surprised if a desperate team made a move for his services.
Rod Beard: From everyone I’ve talked to in the #Pistons organization, including team owner Tom Gores, there is no discussion of trading Blake Griffin. If Griffin goes, it likely means a complete teardown and reboot, a suggestion they’ve shot down many times over the years.
Keep half an eye on Griffin. Detroit does not want to trade him. The Pistons are hell-bent on making the playoffs. Griffin is their star attraction. But if things go badly, teams will call. Griffin would be one of the few really good available players with a max-ish contract that isn’t too short or too long.
James Edwards III: Ed Stefanski: “I don’t shop (Blake Griffin).”
Rod Beard: Blake Griffin at All-Star Media Day on whether he’ll play for the #Pistons next year: “Yes, I’m under contract for several more years.” pic.twitter.com/QzmdchN3rr
I took an informal poll of NBA scouts Thursday before the Pistons’ 93-89 victory over the trade-ravaged Dallas Mavericks: What is Griffin’s trade value? The poll of four scouts yielded varying results. At one end, an Eastern Conference scout didn’t express much interest in Griffin, saying his post-up game isn’t made for today’s game. A Western Conference scout disagreed vehemently. He said the Pistons could expect to land two first-round picks if they were to make Griffin available.
Rod Beard: #Pistons Blake Griffin says he’s happy here and has not requested a trade.
James Edwards III: In regards to the rumor that Blake Griffin said he wanted out of Detroit, “I heard that buzzing. Sometimes you should consider the source with some of that stuff.” Said he, his agent nor his people have asked to be traded.
Rod Beard: #Pistons Tom Gores on concern about Blake Griffin requesting a trade, like Davis: “I know he’s committed to Detroit, to me and to us. If you see him competing, it’s because he wants to win and he believes in this. He’s only a half-season into this – so I’m not concerned at all.
Rod Beard: #Pistons Gores on whether he thinks Blake Griffin is frustrated with losing this season: “I’d be frustrated – I’d want to win. He’s having the best season of his life but if you’re not winning, who cares? He’s a leader, so he’s pushing everybody.”
A source told the Free Press over the weekend that Griffin and his representatives are aware of the Pistons’ current limitations in roster building and are expressing patience. The offseason could represent a time for major roster reconstruction around Griffin. But for now, the timing isn’t there for a Griffin trade.
Nick Friedell: Caught up with Blake Griffin for an interview that will run soon on @SportsCenter. He says he didn’t hear from any Clippers personnel as trade talks intensified: “Finding out through Twitter, through other people, is a tough way to find out.”
Keith Langlois: Pistons GM Jeff Bower with Blake Griffin, Willie Reed and Brice Johnson
Rod Beard: #Pistons Blake Griffin on shock of being traded from L.A.: “Shocked is a good way to put it. I found out when everybody else found out. It took a second to realize everything’s changing.”
Rod Beard: #Pistons Blake Griffin on no-trade clauses: “I want to play for an organization that wants me to play there; this is an organization that wants me to play here.”
Rod Beard: #Pistons GM Jeff Bower: “This is a big day for our organization. Any time you can add high-quality individuals, it makes your organization a stronger, better place.”
Ask around the NBA and you get a recurring sentiment: Clippers won, and big. “Great deal for L.A.,” an Eastern Conference GM told Yahoo Sports. “They were never going to win with Blake.” Added a Western Conference personnel scout, “Blake and DeAndre [Jordan] were a good frontcourt — [for] 2005. It’s a new game. And the way Griffin plays, he is hard to build a team around.”
“We had a nice run,” Rivers said. “But we didn’t get it done. It’s funny how that will always be viewed, whether that was a great run, a good run. You win 57 games every year, you have multiple All-Stars, you’re an exciting team to watch, but our goal was to win a title as a group, and that’s the down part of this.
Chris Vernon: “I actually have some mutual friends with Blake Griffin and reached out to them last night. They told me he is intensely sad. He is just sad. It’s nine years there, they promised him the world in the offseason. They gave him $173 million. They raised his jersey up in the rafters and did the mock museum of his life and said ‘Clipper for Life’ and all this kind of stuff. And you’re less than six months down the road and he’s gone.”
Ben Golliver: Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan on Blake Griffin trade: “He was a teammate of mine for nine years. We had a lot of great times. He’ll be a friend of mine after basketball. It was definitely tough to see him go. I wish him nothing but the best.” pic.twitter.com/5eDOEpFGPQ
“It’s another example of players being pigeonholed with this idea of loyalty, sacrifice and all that kind of stuff when it comes to signing deals and where they want to play,” Curry said. “It’s not reciprocated on the other end consistently.”
James said he was “a little bit in shock” when he learned that Griffin, who re-signed with the Clippers on a five-year, $173 million deal this past summer, had been traded after spending his first seven-plus seasons in Los Angeles. “But you know the business, as unfortunate as it looks,” James said. “You know the business. It is what it is.”
Ben Golliver: Clippers’ Doc Rivers on Blake Griffin trade: “It came quick. It came out of nowhere. … Before Blake got here this wasn’t a very good franchise … we had a nice run and we didn’t get it done. Our goal was to win a title.”
Ben Golliver: Reflecting, Clippers’ Doc Rivers describes 2014 playoff loss to Thunder as the “beginning of the end” for the Paul/Griffin group and refers to 2015 playoff loss to Rockets as a “debacle”
Clippers coach Doc Rivers on what changed over the past eight months after the Clippers pitched Blake Griffin on being a Clipper for life: “Detroit’s call. No, really. I mean, it’s the truth. You have to be honest with yourself. … If you’re not good enough, or if you don’t think you can beat them, or if you need more help, then you have to do something about it.”
Rod Beard: #Pistons SVG on season outlook: “Everything changed last night.”
As the season went on, the Clippers became convinced that they not only weren’t a real contender this season, but wouldn’t be next season as well with the current roster. So they were amenable when the Pistons came to them in the last couple of weeks with a proposed deal for Griffin. Nonetheless, the mood Monday afternoon within the team was “terrible,” according to a source.
Even after all that, though, the Clippers still were Griffin’s team, and he was still relevant in the L.A. That came to a sudden end Monday. “It was a (bleeping) hard decision,” one league source said Monday night, but one that puts the franchise on a new course — its destination uncertain.
Marc Stein: The Blake Griffin-to-Detroit trade is on course to be finalized and announced tonight, league sources say
The Clippers and Pistons have discussed the deal for at least one week, according to multiple league sources. A fan tweeted that Griffin yelled “Nine fucking years!”—i.e., how long he’d been with the franchise that drafted him no. 1 overall out of Oklahoma—while running to the locker room before a game on January 22, right around the time trade discussions got serious.
There just wasn’t a lot of demand for Griffin, according to sources around the league. Some good teams with big dreams were turned off by his contract. Most good teams are already too expensive to absorb it without sending out their best or second-best players.
The Lakers even have Brook Lopez’s $22 million expiring contract to help match salaries. But they don’t appear to have taken a serious look at Griffin, per league sources. Maybe it wouldn’t have been workable; the Lakers already traded their 2018 first-round pick.
Jamal Crawford: It’s a cold game…..
Gery Woelfel: I did a quick survey of six Bucks and 76ers players before the game on major Pistons-Clippers trade. All six felt the Clippers got the better of the deal. I think it’s a great trade for both teams.
Garrett Temple: The trades have begun…. #ItsABusiness
Yahoo Spors NBA: Matt Barnes speaks on the Blake Griffin trade.
Sean Grande: Brad Stevens reaction to the Pistons-Clippers trade: “The first thing you think of is how it affects the East. Blake Griffin is a tremendous player. Then you look at your schedule how may times left you play them. They’ll both be teams you’ll be more curious to turn on watching league pass.”
Jorge Sierra: Blake Griffin is No. 10 in scoring, No. 12 in rebounds and No. 35 in assists in the NBA since 2010-11, his rookie season. He’s, like, pretty good.
Aaron Gordon: Blake and Dre on the same team is tough.
Brad Turner: Clippers also sent Brice Johnson to Detroit in the deal.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Clippers will continue to discuss contracts extensions at the right price, while engaging teams in trade talks on DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams. They’ll try to do a hard thing in the NBA: Rebuild on the fly with younger players/picks, without gutting roster.
Ramona Shelburne: Third reaction to Clippers trading Blake Griffin. Their new front office of Jerry West, Lawrence Frank, Michael Winger has clearly convinced Steve Ballmer it’s time for a rebuild. That’s a huge step for the new group and Ballmer for listening. Question is: who has his ear?
CJ McCollum: ??
April 12, 2021 | 5:55 pm EDT Update
Kawhi Leonard out Tuesday night against Pacers
Mirjam Swanson: Clippers will be without Kawhi tomorrow in Indy, he’s OUT with a sore right foot. Serge (back) and Pat Bev (hand) also are out, of course. Everyone else is available.
Kevin Chouinard: Hawks say: Trae Young (left calf contusion) is questionable. Danilo Gallinari (right foot soreness) is doubtful. Collins, Dunn, Reddish, Snell, Hunter remain out.
The scene was quite familiar to fans who have watched the Bucks’ starters celebrate their teammates’ success at the end of blowout victories in the last two seasons with one notable exception: Antetokounmpo was not wearing a jersey. Instead, Antetokounmpo was wearing a black Bucks hooded sweatshirt and a pair of black joggers as he watched from the sidelines as he missed his fifth consecutive game because of left knee soreness.
“We were talking about it before the game,” Middleton said after putting up 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in Sunday’s win. “He said he hasn’t missed this many games in a row in his career. He’s itching to get back out, so hopefully he’ll be back out there soon.”
Following shootaround before the Pacers game, The Athletic asked Connaughton about Antetokounmpo’s impressive ability to stay healthy throughout his career and why he has always been able to return to the floor quickly after an injury. “Work ethic,” Connaughton said. “I feel like the misnomer is when you get injured, you need rest, like your body will heal itself and what I’ve seen since I’ve been in the NBA is that is actually the opposite.”
April 12, 2021 | 5:12 pm EDT Update
Kevin Durant on MVP race: I don't care, I feel the criteria changes every day
The Jump: “I really don’t care. I feel the criteria changes every day” – @Kevin Durant on who he thinks should be the MVP #NBA #NBATwitter #TheJump #BrooklynTogether pic.twitter.com/oWDqhw4GmP
