The Clippers continue to play well without Blake Griffin, who could be out at least two months with a broken hand sustained while hitting a member of the Clippers' training staff. Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan seem to be enough for the offense to remain elite, at least against so-so competition.
If the Clippers ever try to trade Blake Griffin, these 5 deals make sense
The Clippers aren’t looking to trade Blake Griffin yet, but it’s something they must think about given their closing window. If they change their mind, here are five trades worth considering.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Thus, it’s easy to wonder whether the Clippers are better off trading Griffin for a different type of player or multiple pieces. On Friday, ESPN’s Zach Lowe wrote that while the Clippers are not actively looking to move Griffin, the Clippers’ overall stagnation combined with Griffin’s impending free agency in 2017 may force L.A. to ask some tough questions of themselves.
“This promises to be one of the thorniest player-organization situations in the league over the next few months,” Lowe wrote.
To be perfectly clear, there are no rumors floating around right now. It's never easy to trade a superstar and get a good enough return, which is why it's unlikely the Clippers explore a trade before the deadline. The Clippers still want to win now, so any deal would have to make the team better or at least keep them afloat. With the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder looking to be a step above them this year, however, nothing should be out of the question for Doc Rivers.
If the Clippers do decide to deal Griffin -- and again, there’s no indication they are considering it -- here are five hypothetical trades that would fit their parameters.
1. Blake Griffin to the Heat for Chris Bosh
This idea was first suggested by HBO’s Bill Simmons on a recent podcast. The trade: Bosh and promising rookie Justise Winslow for Griffin.
Chris Bosh's transformation from high-usage scorer to complementary offensive player made him the perfect fit for the Heat when LeBron James was there. However, the Heat lack an elite first option, especially as Dwyane Wade continues to age. Griffin would give them that, allowing them to compete right away while also making them younger.
The Heat need to remain relevant because they have traded future first-round picks. With Griffin in tow and gobs of cap space, they could attract free agents. Miami has always been a destination franchise and could make a great pitch to Kevin Durant or Al Horford, while possibly retaining Wade. We've seen Pat Riley build winning teams over one summer and he could do that again with Griffin around.
Meanwhile, Bosh would give them the perfect complement to Paul and Jordan. He can space the floor, step outside to the perimeter to guard smaller players and play center when Jordan rests. He’s older than Griffin, which means the window for contention shrinks, but he could be an upgrade thanks to being a better fit. Winslow would significantly upgrade the Clippers’ wing depth, which is one of their biggest weaknesses.
2. Blake Griffin to the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony
Lowe suggested this deal in his piece, with the logic being that Kristaps Porzingis could cover up Griffin’s flaws on both ends.
The Clippers wouldn’t be getting younger, but Anthony is only two years older than Chris Paul and has not showed signs of decline yet. If he buys into the idea of playing power forward for long stretches, the offense could be otherworldly. Anthony is shooting 38 percent on catch and shoot three-pointers and would feast on them as a floor-spacer on Paul/Jordan pick-and-rolls, as well as provide shot creation when Paul rests.
As for Griffin, the Knicks could be the best possible landing spot for him. He would be the first option from day one -- something he's proven he can do when Paul has been out with injury -- and have a team built around his talent. Not only is Porzingis the perfect type of big man to pair with Griffin because of his rare combination of three-point shooting and shot-blocking, but the Knicks will have cap space to make additions in the offseason. It's hard to imagine Kevin Durant choosing them, but if they can another top free agency and a couple of two-way players, they could become a serious threat on a less top heavy conference.
3. Blake Griffin to the Hawks for Al Horford and Kyle Korver
Horford is in the last year of his contract, so the Clippers would need to ensure he stays in Los Angeles beyond this season. Yet, his game is such an excellent fit with Jordan that he’s worth a maximum contract. To match salaries, the Hawks would have to include another player, as well, giving the Clippers more depth. A floor spacing wing who can play defense and fill in at center when Jordan rests, plus a shooter like Korver, is not a bad return for Griffin.
The Hawks would be banking on talent making up for fit. They will likely suffer on the boards and lack rim protection but that's true now with Horford on the team. On the other end, Paul Millsap and Griffin would be impossible to defend, as both can shoot, pass and damage opponents inside. The clock would be ticking, as Griffin can become a free agent in 2017 and Atlanta is hardly a destination market, but the Hawks need to make a bold move. It's becoming more and more clear that they won't come close to reaching the heights of last season with this current mix.
4. Blake Griffin to the Cavaliers for Kevin Love
This would be a high risk, high reward move for both franchises.
Love has had a tough time in Cleveland, but is just two years removed from averaging 26 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. He also has proven three-point range, which should give the Clippers’ offense more room to operate, and he’d likely be used more in the post and on the elbows in L.A.. He’s never played with any rim protector like Jordan, who can make up for his defensive deficiencies, or a point guard like Paul. There’s a real chance he regains his best form with a change of scenery.
The Cavaliers would not hesitate to move Love, but bringing in Griffin wouldn't exactly solve their issues, particularly this season. He needs the ball more than Love and there might not be enough touches to go around with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving on the floor. That being said, Griffin is better at creating his own shot than Love, and defensively, he would be an upgrade. Talent alone is not enough to make things work, as the Love trade proved, and Griffin's injury throws a wrench into the proceedings. Still, the possibility of getting Griffin might be too enticing to pass up.
5. Blake Griffin to the Celtics for multiple players and assets
The Clippers are doing fine without Griffin, so they might not be looking to replace him with another star. Instead, they could get multiple players back, as well as draft picks, to finally build some quality depth. As Lowe writes, a deal including pieces such as Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Jared Sullinger, along with the Nets' unprotected pick and the Mavericks' top seven protected selection would allow the Clippers to continue to compete now while setting them up for the future.
The Celtics have been looking for a star ever since they started their rebuilding process and Griffin is among the best players in the league. Losing three rotation pieces and two valuable picks is a steep price, but one they would surely be willing to pay if it gets them the cornerstone they have been lacking. Then, in the offseason they could use their cap space to land a co-star, shore up their front line and add another wing player. They will take a step back this year as Griffin recovers from injury, but they would have to be a prohibitive favorite in the East next year.
The Clippers may lose the best player in the deal, but gain the quality role players they’ve lacked in the Paul/Griffin/Jordan era. Crowder immediately becomes the starting small forward and can slide up to power forward in small lineups. Bradley slots in as a super sub and can play with J.J. Redick and Crowder on the wing. Both will help the Clippers defend Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson should the Clippers meet the Warriors in the playoffs. The draft picks are an added bonus, allowing L.A. the assets to rebuild after Paul declines.
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