The (Sort of) Final Result of the Blake Griffin Trade

Final Results

While it’s only four trades, there is still a lot to keep track of.

Can’t see that tweet for some reason? Here’s the list.

In exchange for Blake, the Clippers got back Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, Wilson Chandler, JaMychal Green, Garrett Temple, a 2020 1st Round Pick via Philly (Lottery Protected), a 2021 1st Round Pick via Miami (Unprotected), two 2nd Round Picks via Philly and a lot of cap space to use up this summer.

It’s likely that Chandler, Green and Temple aren’t with the team past this season as all three are expiring. I also omitted Beasley from the list since it seems like the team will just waive him in the coming days.

Compare that final haul to what the Lakers were just offering the Pelicans for Anthony Davis. Two first round picks? Check. Young players? Check. No, the combination of Gilgeous-Alexander, Shamet and Zubac might not be as enticing as Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Zubac (who was part of the discussions prior to being sent to the Clips), but it’s not too far off.

Considering Griffin is older and a worse player than Davis, getting a package for him that is nearly comparable is amazing. The trio of Lawrence Frank, Michael Winger and Jerry West have really pulled off a great string of moves that should not be overlooked. Winger may not win General Manager of the Year for his work this season, but deserves every bit of recognition.

(Sort of)

Oh, but wait. There’s one more wrinkle involved in this. The cap space. If the Clippers are able to turn all this available space into one of or some combination of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard or any other big name player, that’s just additional icing on the cake.

By moving Griffin, the front office set up the team with young talent, assets and the potential to bring in a big name player. This happened all in the span of one year while the team still managed to stay right in contention for a playoff series.

So, if the team nets a superstar with the cap spaced saved then this win of a trade becomes an overwhelming win. The front office understands that if you aren’t a championship contender that there is no purpose in fighting for a low playoff seed.

Everything will come down to free agency this summer, but even if they manage to strike out, the franchise is flush with assets and youth for the next couple of seasons. Neither outcome is a bad place to be.