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Breaking down the rumored Blake Griffin-Kevin Durant swap

By Jeff Nisius

Dec 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) look over to guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) look over to guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) react after a play against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) react after a play against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Why would Durant do this?

Durant is obviously very close with Russell Westbrook and the Thunder are one of the league’s elite teams. Additionally, Westbrook isn’t a free agent until next summer. This could lead to Durant agreeing to a one-year deal with a player option on year two, much like LeBron James agreed to with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but for different reasons.

Imagine a Paul and Jordan pick-and-roll with Durant and Redick spotting up on the wings. How do you defend that horrifying action?

The one-year deal provides he and Westbrook one more year to make a title run with the Thunder, the duo is able to hit free agency at the same time and also allows Durant to sign during his 10th season of service. This is a major sticking point, because once a player reaches his 10th year, he is now eligible to sign for 35 percent of the salary cap, instead of 30 percent.

Under this scenario, and again using Givony’s numbers, Durant could sign for somewhere in the $33 to $35 million range. Additionally, this would protect the Thunder as well. Griffin can opt out after the 2016-17 season, making it a risky deal for the Thunder if it occurs during this July.

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If Durant signs a one-plus-one in July, this would align his contract with Griffin’s. Both players would be eligible for a sign-and-trade, which would then net Griffin a contract starting in the $28-$30 million range. This would also make a one-for-one swap legal under the CBA, saving the Clippers from needing to aggregate more salary.

In either scenario, Durant would have to agree to deal lasting at least three years and no more than four. The Clippers would be losing the foundation of their rebuilt franchise, while the Thunder’s roster would likely be decimated.

Would Blake Griffin agree to a sign-and-trade to play for a depleted Thunder squad? Would Russell Westbrook leave if Griffin was coming to join him?

Next: Clippers are still pursuing a Rudy Gay trade

The deal makes sense for both teams, but there is much more to consider than just each individual team’s needs.

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