The Los Angeles Clippers are throwing in the towel.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before….
Monday night, despite being just 1/2 of a game out of the playoffs, the Clippers drew a line in the sand by trading Blake Griffin to Motown:
Detroit Pistons Get: Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson, and Willie Reed
Los Angeles Clippers Get: Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a top-4 protected 2018 1st round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick
It begs the age-old question: Should a franchise always compete to make the playoffs, even if it means spending eternity in mediocrity??
**We know which side of the fence Kristaps Porzingis falls on, as he expects the New York Knicks to be buyers at the trade deadline. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! When you’re done laughing, please, read on….
If the Clippers held on to Blake Griffin, they might have made the playoffs this season. Only to have the pleasure of being trounced by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round. Griffin would have undoubtedly gotten hurt along the way. And the Clippers would have been back to the drawing board — again. Instead, the Clippers made a SMART decision, and received a solid ROI (return on investment). Bradley is an expiring contract, Harris is a solid, relatively cheap player who becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and draft picks never hurt.
While Griffin is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he’s a hospital visit waiting to happen. Over the past 3 seasons, he’s averaged just 54.3 games per year. And this season, has already missed 16 of 49 games. You can’t dunk on people from the infirmary. Plus, he signed a 5-year, $171 million contract this past July. Over time, that contract will resemble a burden rather than a blessing.
Gather around conspiracy theorists….
Some believe this is the 1st of multiple moves to open up salary cap space for Lebron James. Yes, the Lebron James sweepstakes could be in full effect again next year. But to tear your roster apart for a ‘pipe dream’ is foolish. Expect the Clippers to continue their roster purge prior to the trade deadline (February 8th @ 3:00 P.M EST).
As for the other 29 teams, absolutely nothing has transpired. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, are actively seeking a deal to bolster their frontcourt after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a ruptured Achilles Friday night. Side note: Paul George will replace Cousins on the All-Star Team.
IF Blake Griffin should ever stay healthy, he should land on many All-Star Teams.
Welcome to the Weak-Eastern Conference Blake….
Who won the Blake Griffin trade?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.
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The Pistons have a brand new building in downtown Detroit that sits empty on game nights. They needed star power, so I get why they made the deal.
Not sure why the Clippers did it, unless this is the beginning of a roster purge.
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The Clippers appeased their fan base by signing him in the first place. It was the “look we didn’t get CP3 to stay, but we still have Blake” move. And now, they’re beyond fortunate to have gotten out from under that monstrosity of a contract. Roster purge is putting it nicely. Thanks for reading and commenting!!
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