Blake Griffin has agreed to a purchase contract with the Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers are on the list to choose him. The news came from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski this morning.
Six-time All-Star winger Blake Griffin has agreed to a purchase contract with the Detroit Pistons and will become an unrestricted free agent, sources told ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2021
Among the teams that should be considered for Griffin’s next stop, sources tell ESPN: Brooklyn, Golden State, Miami and Portland
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2021
The Blazers are with the Nets, Warriors and Heat as possible destinations.
The 6’9 and 250 lb forward has career averages of 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, but his days of gaudy statistics are far behind him. Injuries and age cost the former NBA champion Slam Dunk mobility and support. The 31-year-old had an average of 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 31.3 minutes per game in 20 games with the Pistons before the purchase. His .365 pitch percentage was the lowest of his career, except for the .352 pitch he had the previous season. This compares to a career average of almost 50%.
Griffin’s 0.315 percentage in the three-point range this season is of no help. He averaged 36.2% of the arc in 7.2 attempts per game in 2018-19, his first year with the Pistons and his last All-Star campaign.
Portland would get Griffin on a minimum contract. They have the vacancy on the list and the salary space to do so without exceeding the luxury tax limit (narrowly).
A few weeks ago, our own Steve Dewald outlined the possibility of the Blazers catching Griffin.
Of course, Griffin is entering a new, less mobile era in his NBA career. But the recognition of his name and his previous relationship with Olshey should make him an obvious target for the Blazers if he enters the acquisition market. For Griffin, the goodwill that the Blazers built with Carmelo Anthony can serve as a starting point for the common interest.
You can read this post here.
The big question: can Portland find gold in Griffin the same way they found Carmelo Anthony? Do you want him? Weigh below.
Update: The Athletic’s Shams Charania says Brooklyn may have a chance for Griffin.
The Brooklyn Nets are believed to be the leaders to hire All-Star Blake Griffin six times, sources said. @JLEdwardsIII. Interesting rival teams hope that Griffin will pick the Nets as a favorite for the chance to win a championship.
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2021
h / t GMan83202 in the comments!