Before settling on a deal with Detroit, the Los Angeles Clippers were shopping Blake Griffin around. A new report confirms LA proposed a deal to OKC.
Royce Young of ESPN reports that the Clippers indeed offered Griffin to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George. He also insists other teams were contacted, as many believe LA reached out to Minnesota for an unlikely trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns.
Griffin is in his first year under his new contract, and George can become a free agent after this year. Locking Griffin up another four years, including his $39 million option, would put the Thunder in a tough spot. Following a long-term $205 million extension to OKC’s franchise player Russell Westbrook, taking on Blake’s contract as well is bizarre.
They would commit more than $70 million between the two stars if the trade did happen. In retrospect the Clippers had to settle dealing Griffin to the Pistons, yet they still won the trade by getting what they were looking for — young players in Avery Bradley (27) and Tobias Harris (25) and a first round draft pick in the upcoming draft.
Although the trade with the Thunder fell through, the Clippers have now successfully created enough cap space. They now have the potential to enter the PG free agent sweepstakes, if he does not re-sign with OKC. Currently the Thunder as a team are clicking, but everything is decided on how the season ends for them. If there is any reason George wants out, he will likely go for one of the Los Angeles teams.
Paul George asked about Westbrook: “He’s a team-first guy, he’s a really good dude, it’s great to be around guys like that ... just somebody to enjoy this process with. That’s what makes it attractive being here, playing alongside Russ.” pic.twitter.com/fkJWZ8tdDK
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 25, 2018
George has always expressed interest to play in LA, growing up near the city and a fan of LA sports. He claims he was a Clippers fan, yet he has openly discussed wanting to play for the Lakers. But why not build with the Clippers and still stay in Los Angeles? Adding George to this Clippers roster now would upgrade them to a defensive juggernaut. Adding a superstar in his prime to the city he grew up in and loves, with other young talented players and room for more. The LA Clippers can feel confident entering the off-season free agency market if the Thunder take a downfall late season.