Blake Griffin is one of the best young players in the NBA, but the latest off-court issue with him that left him with a broken hand and an equipment manager with a swollen face is a problem. Now, there are a lot of rumors going around that Griffin could be traded away from the L.A. Clippers and before this year’s trade deadline in mid-February. Two possible landing spots for him could be the New York Knicks or across town with the L.A. Lakers .
On Jan. 23, there was an argument at a restaurant in Toronto that included Blake Griffin and the Clippers’ assistant equipment manager, Matias Testi, per ESPN . Also included in the argument was a friend that Griffin referred to as “someone I care about.” During the argument, Griffin punched Testi, the argument moved outside the restaurant, and Griffin punched Testi again.
Griffin suffered a spiral fracture of the fourth metacarpal in his right hand and he could miss up to two months. He had already been out since late December with a torn tendon in his left quadriceps and was close to returning.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said that Griffin has owned up to what happened and feels bad about it.
“He feels awful about it, and he’s let everyone know that. That’s all you can do. You have to forgive people at some point. I believe that. We built Richard Nixon a library. I mean, my goodness. You forgive people. You really do. You kind of move on, and you build it back.”
The L.A. Clippers have already said they will await any kind of punishment for Griffin from the NBA.
With this off-court incident and the multiple injuries, rumors have started that the Clippers could look to trade Blake Griffin before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 18. He is one of the best players in the entire NBA when he’s healthy and all his focus is on the game, but neither of those have been in place lately.
Many teams have inquired about trading for Griffin and wonder what it would take to get him on their roster. After this latest incident, it is hard to believe that the Clippers simply will ignore those inquiries and requests.
Fansided is reporting that Blake Griffin should truly be on the radar of the L.A. Lakers if he really does land on the block.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott needs more veterans on the roster to help with the younger guys like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle . Those first- and second-year players really need more leadership and experience to keep them going in the right direction.
It also wouldn’t hurt Griffin to stay in a city he’s used to, and off of a team where he is no longer seen as the number one option. He’s not a bad guy at all, and he’s still very talented, but it’s time for him to continue his NBA career elsewhere.
Another place that Blake Griffin could find to be a better fit for him would be with the New York Knicks, according to Fansided . Now, it’s a bit easier to see this trade happening because the Knicks and Clippers could make a trade that would benefit both of them and the two players involved.
Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the past couple of months, and a move from one coast to the other could do him well. He’d land with a team in the heart of the playoff race instead of one just outside of it, and he needs that at this point in his career.
Anthony is averaging 21.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game in what is turning into a masterful season for him. Putting him into the line-up with Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, and DeAndre Jordan would instantly turn the Clippers into title contenders.
Griffin heading to the Knicks would be a superstar-for-a-superstar swap, but they’d get one five years younger. Pairing up Blake Griffin with Kristaps Porzingis is something that many feel would work nicely.
Agree w/ @ZachLowe_NBA that Griffin/Porzingis would make lethal combination, but don’t agree that former would lure FAs to NY. @JoshEberley
— Jamie O’Grady (@JamieOGrady) January 29, 2016
The L.A. Clippers have a big decision ahead of them, and not a lot of time to make it. Numerous teams would likely make offers if Blake Griffin officially lands on the trading block, but it does seem like the L.A. Lakers or New York Knicks could be two very attractive trading partners.
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