LA Clippers were blowing smoke, but we didn’t see the fire

The LA Clippers traded away a proven star in Blake Griffin, maybe hedging on the future, but still landed a blow to a young fan base.

Blake Griffin, the former number one pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, was traded to the Detroit Pistons for a nice haul of Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick. The Los Angeles Clippers decided to move their superstar in a chance to off load Griffin’s contract, while still remaining competitive. Rumors were circling around DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams but the smoke was away from the fire it seems.

We have all had time to let it settle in and although it hurts, it’s a means to an end. Blake Griffin could use a new team, especially one that wants him. Griffin didn’t get his chance to finish off his legacy with the Clippers. The once pronounced “Clipper for Life” is gone months after signing a new five-year deal. What’s done is done and the Clippers were able to get great value for their former superstar.

Jordan and Williams were the ones believed on their way out and with everyone covering stories about the possibility of those two leaving there was another fire brewing six days before the trade of Griffin.  There was no talk of him being moved throughout NBA twitter or stories coming before the deadline.

See Smoke?

It was such a huge story but it was held close to the chest. The Clippers were approached by Detroit six days before the trade and six days before Woj broke the news. I saw something six days before the trade that didn’t sit well with me.

Blake Griffin was on his 9th year of service for the Clippers but this tweet was speculated to be about Jordan in his midst of his 10th year of service. Both players are friends and I expected movement soon. It could be a coincidence, but that tweet was also six days before Griffin was traded.

He might have known talks were happening but if he did, he didn’t say. No one really thought much of this incident, including a fellow Clipperholics writer who was present when Griffin ran into the tunnel. Either way, it’s horrible for Griffin if he did know it was possible to be traded.

What next?

Th LA Clippers still have the option of trying to extend Jordan and Williams, but it’s possible to see them move as well. Steve Ballmer wants to win and he wants to win sooner than later. If they are willing to move Griffin, everyone and anyone is available and maybe it’s the best call to try to better position yourself when you know there is no window now.

The Clippers are in the driver’s seat now. They will not be tied up with huge contracts while still being close to the team they were with Griffin. They could be an even better team in the short and long-term, depending on how the team and players are constructed. Do not lose sight of what fans want. Fans want to win.

The Clippers brought back assets that can help them now and gives them a look to possibly re-sign Bradley in the off-season. It’s too early to say who won the trade, but maybe they both come out as winners.

They still have assets in Jordan who can bring back possibly a pick and players. The Clippers are selling while they still can but they are selling smart unlike previous seasons. This flexibility gives the Clippers a quick reboot to help with a rebuild on the fly.

What would Jerry do

Jerry West is now on the clock and he believes he can bring the team a championship. He has done it in LA for the Lakers when he worked in the front office and he did it in Golden State. The “Architect”, as some call him, has the chance to take the Clippers to the Finals, not just the Western Conference Finals.

West helped re-sign Griffin and maybe he had the idea to trade him if things didn’t work out. West rarely give interviews, so we will have to wait and see. Griffin will have his jersey retired at some point, whether that is in Staples Center or maybe a new arena. We can call it  “The Arena Griffin built” It seems fitting.

West is on the clock and it’s championship or bust.