Blake Griffins is a former NBA All-Star stuck in a bad basketball situation. Blake Griffin is on the Detroit Pistons, a team that has been making moves to initiate a rebuild. Meanwhile, Blake Griffin is a veteran with many miles in the NBA, who probably wants to compete in the late stages of his career. The best basketball move for Blake Griffin would be to leave the Detroit Pistons.
Recently, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Detroit Pistons and Blake Griffin have come to an agreement to let Griffin sit out games until there is some sort of movement of any sort on his future: whether that be a buyout or a trade.
ESPN story on Blake Griffin and Pistons agreeing that he will be out of the lineup until the franchise and his reps can work through a resolution on his playing future: https://t.co/EHsnV9sED8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
Blake Griffin could help a variety of teams around the league. To join most competitive rosters, Griffin will have to be bought out, as few contending teams can match the salary to bring Griffin in, though there are some that could send out realistic packages for the former All-Star. Here are 5 realistic destinations for Blake Griffin, whether via trade or buyout.
5. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a team that needs some help, as they are 13-15 and 10th in the Western Conference. They are also one of the teams that can put together a salary match for Griffin, probably sending out James Johnson and Dwight Powell to the Pistons in order to take back Griffin’s enormous contract. Blake Griffin would end up on a team with two young stars who can carry the offensive load, while he becomes a tertiary scoring option.
Blake Griffin is a solid 3PT shooter, so he could benefit from Luka Doncic’s playmaking. Floor spacing is extremely important in the modern NBA, especially next to superstars. Blake Griffin wouldn’t have to carry the offense night in and night out in Dallas, reducing the wear and tear on his body. He would be able to fit in as a complementary player who provides leadership to their roster.
4. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are the top team in the Western Conference with a 22-5 record. If Blake Griffin gets bought out, then this is one of the best teams that he could possibly go to. The Utah Jazz would give Blake Griffin the opportunity to join a solid up and coming team, led by a young scorer in Donovan Mitchell. Blake Griffin would slot into their offense well, as he could space the floor around Rudy Gobert while providing some interior defense.
The Utah Jazz have been a good regular season team for the last few years, and they are more focused on the playoffs. The acquisition of Blake Griffin could allow them to have another veteran who is playoff-tested, and who could be the difference between winning and losing. Blake Griffin could provide some solid two-way value for the Jazz, giving them another big body to throw at talented big men like Nikola Jokic and Deandre Ayton.
3. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat need a player to come in and provide a spark to their roster, which seems to have lost its magic from their magical bubble run. Blake Griffin could be an elite fit with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, and with a buyout, the Miami Heat would surely look to acquire a player of his caliber. Blake Griffin spaces the floor well next to two non-shooters in Butler and Adebayo. The Miami Heat would help him compete at the highest level, and provide an impact on a winning team.
The Miami Heat would be a solid destination for Griffin simply because he would have the opportunity to play with a superstar in Jimmy Butler. He could help Jimmy Butler make the Finals once again and hopefully win it all this time.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the teams that are truly competing for a title this season. It is likely that Blake Griffin would come off the bench as an impact reserve. He would be passable during minutes with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid due to his ability to shoot. Blake Griffin could move to the 76ers and increase their talent on the bench, leading to a more well-rounded team.
Blake Griffin is a solid two-way player and is a stabilizing presence on the court, playing good defense and being an underrated playmaker. If the Philadelphia 76ers were to sign Griffin, his primary duties would be playing defensive minutes on big men, moving the ball, and shooting open threes.
1. Brooklyn Nets
Blake Griffin to the Brooklyn Nets seems like it explains itself. Blake Griffin is an older player who wants to win a championship: the Brooklyn Nets offer him a chance to do so. The Brooklyn Nets need to replenish their depth after the James Harden trade: Griffin helps out there. It seems like a mutually beneficial arrangement, and if Blake Griffin were to be bought out, it is easy to see him joining the Brooklyn Nets.
On the Brooklyn Nets, Blake Griffin would likely come off the bench and have a limited offensive role. But it is star power that wins championships, and Blake Griffin is a former star. The Brooklyn Nets could take a flyer on the former Clipper, and if they do, perhaps Blake Griffin can taste the success of a championship.
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