NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics Discussing Deal For Los Angeles Clippers Forward Blake Griffin

The Boston Celtics are in discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers on a potential deal involving forward Blake Griffin, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub‘s Dan Lifshatz. The Celtics have been desperately trying to use their abundance of draft picks and tradeable assets to improve their roster this offseason, but to this point, they only have Al Horford to show for it, and he joined via free agency.

As many of you have guessed, the player I was speaking about was indeed Blake Griffin. There has been traction on a deal for him.

— Dan Lifshatz (@DanLifshatz) July 12, 2016

Celtics and Clippers are still talking. There is a holdup on the deal. I do not know what it is. Package would include at least one BRK 1st

— Dan Lifshatz (@DanLifshatz) July 12, 2016

In addition to the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick that Lifshatz refers to in that tweet, any potential deal for Griffin would likely also involve Avery Bradley, who Clippers head coach Doc Rivers absolutely loves, and at least one of Marcus Smart or Jae Crowder.

The deal makes perfect sense from the Clippers’ perspective. Griffin’s contract is only guaranteed through next season, which means he could choose to opt out of his deal and leave the Clippers with nothing in return next offseason. Blake also was involved in an off-the-court issue with a member of the team’s equipment staff during last season which resulted in a broken hand that forced him to miss a large chunk of the season.

While Griffin is a supremely talented player, the Clippers haven’t reached the Western Conference Finals in the history of the organization, let alone with Blake on the roster. In addition, the Clippers played even better without Griffin on the court last season as Paul took a more assertive role as a scorer. Getting two pieces like Bradley and Crowder/Smart for Blake would also give Los Angeles more weapons to attack with from the perimeter.

Report: Celtics and Clippers are in trade negotiations that will potentially send Blake Griffin to Boston! pic.twitter.com/c9NLXPjiEw

— NBA Inside Stuff (@NBAInside_Stuff) July 12, 2016

From the Celtics’ point of view, a trade for Griffin feels a lot like grasping at straws. General manager Danny Ainge entered the offseason with so many assets that it would be a shame to come out of it without a star player, but it seems like he would be reaching for Griffin. Ainge was able to secure a meeting with Kevin Durant during free agency, nearly worked out a deal for Jimmy Butler, and had the opportunity to pull the trigger on a trade for Nerlens Noel.

All of those guys are either younger, or would’ve provided more to the Celtics than Blake Griffin. Griffin is a great player, but Blake isn’t considered the greatest of leaders, doesn’t provide much in the way of defense, and is almost the same exact player as Al Horford. With Griffin and Horford playing down low, the Celtics might be pretty dangerous offensively, but wouldn’t be able to stop anyone in the paint.

Because Ainge would be dealing with Doc for Blake Griffin… is it possible he’ll have to overpay? – @adamjones985 https://t.co/xar6BycEmb

— CSNNE.com (@CSNNE) July 12, 2016

Besides Griffin, the Celtics have also been linked to Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins. While Cousins fits slightly better than Blake, it’s still confusing as to why Ainge wants another big to play alongside Horford. He would be better served to go out and acquire another knockdown three-point shooter or a wing player to help ease the loss of Evan Turner.

Adding a player like Griffin may get the fan base a little excited, but it will do little to get the Celtics closer to a championship. Instead of trying to make up for all the deals that he didn’t pull the trigger on by adding Blake Griffin, Ainge should hold out to see if a better opportunity presents itself. If not, then stay pat.

[Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images]