Carlos Osorio / Associated Press
Blake Griffin’s time with the Detroit Pistons is over.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will be off schedule as the franchise tries to negotiate or eventually buy the rest of its contract.
“After an 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,” Detroit General Manager Troy Weaver told Wojnarowski .
While the Pistons want to prioritize their young core over 31-year-old Griffin, finding a business partner will be next to impossible.
This version of Griffin is more like a current Marc Gasol in attack than the towering phenomenon that accumulated 784 dunks in his first four seasons. With his athleticism reduced due to several knee surgeries in recent years, he has averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists and is throwing only 36.5 percent of the field.
Griffin doesn’t even try to bury (zero this season in 20 games) and instead spends most of his time on the perimeter. His defense also suffered; opponents are converting an astonishing 70.7% of their kicks into the hoop when defended by him. He blocked a total of two shots throughout the season, rim protection numbers that put him in the company of players like Doug McDermott and Devonte ‘Graham.
His contract also makes it virtually impossible to negotiate, as the rest of his $ 36.6 million salary will be paid this season, with a $ 39 million player option next year.
So why would any team want it, even after a purchase?
Griffin has become a good passer throughout his career, a skill that should not go away, even if his other physical attributes diminish. He is a suitable spacer in attack (34.6 percent out of three to catch and shoot) and would look much better on a minimal deal after a purchase than on his current maximum deal.
Contenders who need a force attacker who can shoot and create for others from the elbow must show some interest, especially those with a strong defensive center to place beside him.
If and when there is a purchase, these three teams must call first.
Boston Celts
Michael Dwyer / Associated Press
Griffin could help meet the needs of the Celtics perhaps better than any other team.
Boston has been struggling to find a reliable starter as a striker all season with Daniel Theis, Grant Williams and Semi Ojeleye taking turns. Although Griffin is no longer able to handle the opening minutes, he would be a welcome addition to the depth chart.
The Celtics are helping in just 54.1 percent of their baskets this season, which is only ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. With titular owner Kemba Walker suffering from his own knee diseases, they could use another ball mover alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Both stars need clues to drive, and Griffin is good enough to keep the floor spread out and should be okay with being in the back seat offensively when operating in a winning environment.
Boston also has some great defensive-minded men (Tristan Thompson, Robert Williams III, Theis) to pair with Griffin, which would prevent him from needing to defend opponent centers.
Miami heat
Marta Lavandier / Associated Press
At 11-15, Heat needs all the help they can and should be interested in Griffin after a possible purchase. His attack is 26th this season (106.0 points per 100 possessions), which is even lower than the Pistons (108.7).
Miami also lost great man Meyers Leonard to shoulder surgery after just three games, opening up the need for a force striker who can spread the earth.
With Kelly Olynyk and rookie Precious Achiuwa in position, Heat could use a 4 that can pass as well as Griffin. Coach Erik Spoelstra could open his attack using the creative ability of Griffin and Bam Adebayo, perhaps forming the league’s best big combination in that area.
Speaking of Adebayo, the 23-year-old All-Star and second All-Defensive team 2019-20 is the perfect defensive option to help make up for Griffin’s weaknesses. He is quick enough to recover if Griffin’s man defeats him in dribbling and athletic enough to deny any attempt at the rim.
Returning to a warm climate city should also please Griffin, especially since he has spent the past three winters in Detroit.
Los Angeles Lakers
Carlos Osorio / Associated Press
The sooner Griffin buys, the better for the Lakers.
With striker Anthony Davis now off the pitch for at least two to three weeks due to a calf strain, they could use a little more depth in the position. Your injury can last much longer, of course. Kevin Love was eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers due to the same injury on December 27 and lost the next 24 games.
The Lakers must let Davis take all the time he needs to recover, which opens a need for Griffin.
With Kyle Kuzma probably sliding into the forward position, Griffin would serve as a game 4 reserve that could help create kicks for the rest of the bank unit. The veteran’s best game of the year was against the Lakers on January 28, when he scored 23 points, distributed six assists and scored 5 out of 10 in Detroit’s three-point win.
LeBron James took advantage of his share of easy baskets in timely passes from Gasol this season, converting 71.4 percent of his shots within the 36-year-old center’s eye. Griffin would bring a similar skill set and would also benefit from playing alongside a talent like James.
There is also the revenge factor.
As he was traded out of Los Angeles by the Clippers just months after signing a five-year contract, Griffin would have an extra motivation to win a ring at the Staples Center for the Lakers.