Clippers: Why Celtics will be interested in Blake Griffin trade
By Tom West
The Boston Celtics may still be interested in trading with the Los Angeles Clippers for Blake Griffin, and he could help take them to a new level after the signing of Al Horford.
Except for getting lucky and landing Kevin Durant in the most franchise-altering sweepstakes of NBA free agency, the Boston Celtics couldn’t be feeling much better about the state of their team right now. They rose to 4th in defensive efficiency last season, have one of the best young coaches in Brad Stevens, won 48 games after winning only 25 in 2013-14, and landed their new star center in Al Horford on a four-year, $113 million max deal.
The best part about that signing? They didn’t have to crack open their heavy treasure chest of assets to get him, instead luring him to Boston with the promise of their team, their coach, and their future.
However, thanks to keeping those trade assets and not using them at the deadline back in February, the Celtics still have the pieces to pull off another major trade to land a second star.
In fact, besides other popular suggestions, the Celtics are now the most likely trade destination for Russell Westbrook this summer, according to a new report from Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck.
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Jae Crowder, All-Defensive First Team guard Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, a host of rookies, and the Brooklyn Nets’ first round picks for 2017 and 2018 headline some of their pieces to trade. When a superstar could be acquired, they won’t hesitate to make a deal.
One popular target over the last few months has been Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin, a player who has once again appeared in rumors and discussions, many of which are based on speculation. And when making an argument from the Clippers’ standpoint — despite the insistence of Doc Rivers to keep the core together and the likelihood of that happening for now — the possibility of losing Griffin for nothing in free agency next year is looming.
Plus, seeing as the Golden State Warriors are still in the way, another playoff attempt may not be worth it when the price could be losing two superstars in Blake and Chris Paul for no return when it’s over.
Well, at least that’s the argument for those who are pro trade Blake. No matter how interested the Celtics could be, though, such assets may not interest the Clippers in a trade (more on that later).
Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that the Celtics could use Griffin. So, here’s a look at the reasons why they may still be motivated to pursue him now.
Next: More offensive firepower outside of Thomas and Horford