The Los Angeles Clippers' lineup last season has been formidale. With starters including Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, they have one of the best and well-balanced rosters in the league.
Even though the Clippers are in the tight Western Conference division, where title contenders such as the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder are positioned, the Clippers are still labeled as contenders and are expected to go all the way to the Finals.
However, Griffin's injury and that of the Clippers' other players hampered the LA team's hopes for a Finals appearance. They bowed out in the first round (2-4) to the Portland Trail Blazers and left their fans doubting for their future. And now, rumors have it that the Clippers are considering to deal Blake Griffin to an Eastern Conference team.
According to Sportsrageous, Griffin will likely suit up for the New York Knicks in exchange for young star Kristaps Porzingis and veteran center Joakim Noah. The 21-year old sophomore has averaged 14.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, and 1.9 bpg in 72 games . Porzingis is one of the biggest rookie revelations last season, that's why the Knicks are hesitant to trade him.
The report also said that the Knicks are also interested in Griffin, that is why they're looking for ways to acquire him without giving up Porzingis. But the Knicks have no tradeable assets to push for such a deal.
Mobile & Apps also reported that it's not feasible for the Knicks to trade Porzingis and Noah, as it will deplete their frontcourt and will greatly affect their defense as well. Aside from good rebounders, Porzingis and Noah are also their team's rim protectors.
The report went on to say that the Clippers will continue to look for ways to trade Griffin to avoid a scenario akin to that of the OKC Thunder, which lost Kevin Durant this offseason. Griffin will be a free agent after the 2016-2017 NBA season, but the Clippers prefer to find a viable trade for him in the coming days than lose him through free agency.
