The Detroit Pistons and Blake Griffin have agreed that the six-time NBA All-Star will remain out of the lineup until a final resolution regarding his future could be reached.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver made the revelation to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojanarowski on Monday.
“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” he said in a statement, per Wojnarowski. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”
Griffin’s impending availability prompted an obvious question: what’s next for him? Obviously he’d love to land with a contender, as he’s publicly admitted. What complicates matters a bit is the enormous contract he’s on. He is owed a remaining $36.6 million this season and $39 million in 2021-22 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2022. That’s quite a hefty financial investment for someone averaging 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists this year.
Depending on who you talk to, many view Griffin as currently being untradeable.
“I know they’ve been trying to trade him for months and can’t find a taker,” a Western Conference executive told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently. “Part of it is Blake also saying there are certain teams he would prefer to go to. This is a weird one. Non zero chance they buy him out, which just seems crazy.”
A different executive, this one from the Eastern Conference, echoed that sentiment.
“That likely ends up as a buyout if I had to guess,” he told HoopsHype. “Someone will take him for their bench.”
Klay knows how to do Valentine’s Day right. https://t.co/Gxt1gRLTX2
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 15, 2021
Assuming Griffin and Detroit do end up parting ways via buyout, there are two strong contenders for his services: the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Heat are 11-16 and desperately need to change something. Although the team has been closely linked to one trade deal involving Victor Oladipo and another concerning Bradley Beal, in either scenario they’d have to give up talent. Maybe Tyler Herro, maybe Duncan Robinson – maybe both. In adding Griffin the front office would be landing a lesser player, but wouldn’t have to sacrifice anything in the process.
If not Miami, the Lakers are also a legitimate contender for Griffin’s services.
Valentine’s Day is extra fun when your dad owns the Milwaukee Bucks. https://t.co/jVmIdVrQfT
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 15, 2021
As noted by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Griffin could be the perfect person to provide some additional power forward support now that Anthony Davis is out for what will likely be a month.
“With Kyle Kuzma likely sliding into the starting power forward spot, Griffin would serve as a playmaking reserve 4 who could help create shots for the rest of the bench unit,” he wrote. “The veteran’s best game of the year came against the Lakers on Jan. 28 when he scored 23 points, handed out six assists and went 5-of-10 from three-point range in a Detroit win.”
One way or another, it’s clear that Griffin’s tenure with the Pistons is coming to an end. Where he will ultimately end up remains to be seen.
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
