The Boston Celtics probably would have preferred the Pistons to finish Blake Griffin a little earlier, before his 12 points, four rebounds and six assists helped Detroit beat Boston on Friday.
Griffin was closed down while the Pistons explored opportunities to change him and the team did not want to risk injury while seeking a settlement. Detroit announced the decision on Monday.
“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it was determined that we will start working to facilitate a resolution on his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Piston general manager Troy Weaver told ESPN on Monday. -market. “We respect all the effort that Blake made in Detroit and in his career and we will work to achieve a positive result for everyone involved.”
In a statement, Griffin told ESPN, “I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward.”
If Detroit finds a business partner, it won’t be the Celtics.
Griffin’s $ 38.9 million salary is more than the Celtics’ available commercial exception ($ 28.5 million for Gordon Hayward). They have no space to purchase it. But there is no guarantee that Detroit will find a buyer for Griffin, whose series of recent injuries makes his value well below his salary. They may be able to transfer you to an equally difficult contract. But there is a good chance they will not find a partner.
The Pistons, whose record is close to the bottom of the league, must be in a privileged position in the lottery. Having Griffin helping them win games this year can do more harm than good to their reconstruction efforts.
If Detroit decides to buy it, Griffin could certainly be an asset to the Celtics. He has an average of 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. His 3.9 assists per game would be a good option in a Celtics attack that wants to move the ball more.
But Boston is exploring other options in the future and can negotiate for a player who can make the acquisition of Griffin redundant.
The Griffin and Cavs center, Andrew Drummond, was closed on Monday, perhaps signaling an early start to the commercial market, which has another month to go.
Drummond, who became expendable when the Cavaliers committed to Jarrett Allen in the center, has been strongly linked to the Raptors. He probably wouldn’t be suitable in Boston because his salary is too high and Cleveland is much more likely to find a willing business partner for the healthy 27-year-old.
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Griffin History
2021-2232 $ 38,957,028