Blake Griffin is a former All-Star who has underperformed this season: he currently averages 12.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 4.3 APG. This is a far cry from his Clippers day. But Blake Griffin has something else up his sleeve: during his lonely all-star season in Detroit in 2018-19, Griffin averaged 24.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.4 APG. At this point, Griffin may no longer reach these heights. But he’s still a useful player for teams that want a big man by far: Griffin developed his 3PT shot over the last few years of his career.

With the Detroit Pistons currently under construction, they should trade Blake Griffin for some future assets. The kind of team that would take a flyer on Blake Griffin is a team that is looking for more talent to beat them. Blake Griffin won’t take an insult anymore, but he can make a great supporting complementary on a team looking to play in the off-season. Here are some teams that could take a chance on the former All-Star.

5. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Received: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons received: James Johnson, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, a future first round election.

The Dallas Mavericks started the year with a 6-7 record and are currently number 10 in the Western Conference. Adding Blake Griffin as the third man behind Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis could be a fascinating proposition. When Blake Griffin is healthy, he’s a solid indoor player and a decent ground spacer. It would be good to have two tall men next to Luka Doncic as Luka Doncic’s ability to put pressure on the rim allows them to put down shots if necessary. Blake Griffin could be a natural fit alongside a superstar like Doncic. Griffin would also raise the overall talent level of the roster and mentor the two young Dallas stars.

The Detroit Pistons would get a solid package of players in return for Griffin. Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber are both great men who can defend and shoot: they could use more shooters overall around their slashers like Derrick Rose. James Johnson is a good defender in the forward position. In essence, the Detroit Pistons would trade an aging star for some good players. The future round one choice could come in handy, but it could also be a less valuable choice as the Mavericks are likely a good team. Regardless, it’s a solid stretch for the Detroit Pistons, and that deal would allow Griffin to fight for the playoffs as well.

4. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks received: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons received: Clint Capela, Tony Snell, a future election for the second round

The Atlanta Hawks, who are trading for Blake Griffin, could be beneficial to their prospects this season. After a hot start, the Atlanta Hawks recently fell to a 6-7 record in the Eastern Conference. With this trade, the Hawks were able to run two power forwards in rotation. John Collins was able to get some of the easy opportunities Capela got on the edge while Blake Griffin could clear the ground for Trae Young. Blake Griffin would be a beneficiary of Young’s offensive presence as he wouldn’t have to take shots for himself like he does on the Detroit Pistons. This would reduce the wear and tear on his body.

The pistons Clint Capela get mean they would have a solid center that could work well with Jerami Grant. Clint Capela is an elite defensive and an elite rebounder and transition player. Tony Snell is a good shot, while the second round pick is more of a throw-in to tempt the Detroit Pistons. This would allow the Pistons to get a younger tall man in Clint Capela, while Blake Griffin is sold to a team where he can make an impact on a younger team and pass on his wisdom.

3. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons Received: Patrick Beverley, Ivica Zubac, Lou Williams

That deal would put Blake Griffin back into the franchise that designed him, the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Clippers traded Griffin earlier in his career, winning heals everything. In this scenario, Blake Griffin would team up with Serge Ibaka to provide an elite forecourt for the Clippers. The Los Angeles Clippers could bench Nicolas Batum and launch Griffin to take advantage of his ground clearance and rebound ability. Blake Griffin would have no pressure to score with two dominant superstars and would instead take on a playful role, much like Draymond Green on the Warriors.

The Detroit Pistons would get some solid players with this deal. Ivica Zubac is a young center that would thrive with more minutes: he’d get them on the Detroit Pistons. Zubac is solid offensive while a bit slower on the defensive end of the perimeter. Lou Williams is a proven goalscorer but has, on average, the lowest average number of minutes since his sophomore year in the league. Patrick Beverley is a good defender who will be on an expiring contract between 2021 and 22: the Clippers could then trade him in for more assets this season. That trade wouldn’t tip the pistons, but would give some wage relief with Williams’ contract expiring and some solid players to trade later.

2. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings received: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons Received: Buddy Hield, Nemanja Bjelica

The Sacramento Kings getting Blake Griffin for Buddy Hield could be an asset. With Buddy Hield gone, Tyrese Haliburton could create a spot. Haliburton is a solid two-way player who can shoot the ball. He needs play time to develop. Blake Griffin at the Sacramento Kings could be an asset to their young players. You could play Marvin Bagley in the C position and allow him to be closer to the basket. Blake Griffin could shoot Kings from the PF position and score in a third option role if necessary. Griffin’s experience of many playoff runs could certainly help the Sacramento Kings overcome their playoff drought.

The Detroit Pistons would get a solid shooter in Buddy Hield. While Buddy Hield was fighting from within, he shoots a solid 36.7% out of 3PT range at high volume. He could be an amazing ground spacer for Jerami Grant, and maybe Hield could regain his form from the 2018-19 season in another franchise like the Detroit Pistons. Nemanja Bjelica is a solid tall man who can shoot; He would probably be the backup for Jerami Grant. This deal is a solid deal as it would give the Kings some veteran experience and would give Buddy Hield a fresh start.

1. Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets Received: Blake Griffin

Detroit Pistons Received: Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, a selection from the second round

The Denver Nuggets could be really good potential for Blake Griffin. Blake Griffin could provide a certain size for the nuggets at the PF position while also providing a quality gap. Griffin could help the Nuggets guard bigger strikers like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard. Nikola Jokic would set him on offensive corner kicks. Griffin could also serve as a hub for secondary gaming as he is a skilled passerby as the PF. This scenario could work well for the Nuggets: if they believe Blake Griffin can bounce back, there is no reason for them not to acquire him.

The Denver Nuggets would give up Gary Harris and Paul Millsap in this scenario. Both are fundamentally solid players who offer high quality defense. Gary Harris in particular could be good for the future if he gets a bigger role at the Detroit Pistons: he averaged 17.5 PPG in the 2017/18 season but had to take a step with the recent appearance of Jamal Murray resign years. Millsap would be a solid defensive veteran and could replace Blake Griffin’s mentorship for the young Pistons. This deal would give the Pistons two good players, and round two selection would just be an added bonus to the package.

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