Image via Getty/Chris Schwegler
NBA trade season is picking up, with rumors swirling, even though there aren’t many premier names on the market since James Harden has already been traded. Outside of Bradley Beal, there aren’t a ton of stars available in the NBA. With that being said, it looks like there will be some solid players on the market whether via trade or buyout. Blake Griffin is now officially set to be a free agent and sign with whoever he wants on the open market.
Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin has agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons and will become an unrestricted free agent, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2021
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
With Griffin now bought out and a free agent, we picked out five NBA teams that should consider signing him.
Boston Celtics
Things aren’t going great right now in Boston. The Celtics currently sit at 13-13 and are 3-7 in their last 10 games. Their frontcourt depth has been an issue all season and adding a player like Blake Griffin would go a long way to shoring up some of their issues. It’s true that Griffin isn’t the same dominant force that he was on the interior, but he’d still be a clear upgrade for a Celtics team looking for answers. It’s unclear what sort of trade market develops for Griffin, but the Celtics should be involved from the jump.
Los Angeles Clippers
Who doesn’t love a homecoming? Blake Griffin going back to the Clippers would have to happen after a buyout, but wouldn’t it be great to see Blake back in LA playing for a Clippers team that is a legit contender? This would be a no-brainer for both sides.
Brooklyn Nets
If a high-profile NBA player is available, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly interested. Thats what happens when you’re a super team. When it comes to Blake Griffin, if he did actually hit the open market, the Nets should be all over it. Their interior issues are no secret and a player like Griffin could add some much-needed depth to the team that already has Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.
Los Angeles Lakers
Wouldn’t this be something? Could you imagine Blake Griffin going back to play in Los Angeles and it’s with the… Lakers. Of course, the Lakers wouldn’t really be able to pull off a trade for Griffin, but if he hit the buyout market, they should absolutely be interested. And that’s even before you account for the fact that Anthony Davis is about to miss multiple weeks due to an injury. While Blake isn’t the same Blake as the “Lob City” days, it would be wild to see him out there playing with LeBron. Almost need it to happen.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are a real wild card here. They’re in desperate need of some help in the front court, but don’t really have a ton of assets to play around with. Could a Kyle Lowry three-team trade make something work? Potentially, but would they do that? Whatever the case, if Griffin did become available, you would think the Raptors would be in on it.