NBA: Blake Griffin Dealt to the Pistons
Blake Griffin, five-time NBA All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, has been dealt from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons. Griffin is averaging 22.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while coming off of 27 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in a 112-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans yesterday. However, he has been hurt in the last two playoffs, as well as missing his entire first year. He has a history of injury which the Pistons will have to keep an eye on. The Clippers are also sending over Brice Johnson and Willie Reed. Detroit will give up Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and undisclosed draft picks.
Harris is averaging 18.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in his second season with the Pistons. Bradley and Marjanovic were each in their first years with the Pistons, prior to being traded elsewhere. Bradley was a staple on the Boston Celtics since being drafted, but was traded to Detroit during the offseason. He has been a starter for the majority of the season, but earlier in the day, ESPN reported that the Pistons were willing to trade him if the right offer became available. Apparently, it did. It's hard to say which team won this trade because it seems they both got what they wanted. The Clippers are starting to rebuild as the Pistons push for a playoff berth.
Both teams are in similar spots in their respective conferences, as they are both in ninth place and one spot out of the postseason. The Clippers are 25-24 and one game back, while the Pistons are 22-26 and three games out. Los Angeles should be starting Milos Teodosic, Bradley, Lou Williams, Harris, and DeAndre Jordan. Detroit will likely put out Ish Smith, Luke Kennard, Reggie Bullock, Griffin, and 2016 All-Star, Andre Drummond. Although, look out for Langston Galloway and Stanley Johnson to get some starting nods throughout. Griffin could possibly make his first start in a Pistons uniform against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Photo Credit: Clutch Points.
