The Los Angeles Clippers is considered as one of the elite teams in the NBA. Thanks to the supercombo of All-Star players Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
During the five years that the dynamic duo played together, they manage to reach the playoffs five straight times. But Blake Griffin is rumored be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Griffin could turn the Lakers franchise from a rebuilding team into a playoff team.
According to Ecumenical News, if Griffin would be traded to the Lakers, certain key players from the Lakers need to go.
The Lakers could give away Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell or Brandon Ingram. The deal could also involve giving away Lakers veteran players like Jose Calderon, Nick Young or Lou Williams.
Drafted as the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin become an instant basketball sensation. He was named as the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year and the All-Star Dunk champion in 2011.
He was selected to five NBA All-Star game. In his 410 career games, he averages 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.
Griffin is still a superstar in the league. With his status, he can still play at a very high level. But based on the current situation, trading Griffin to the Lakers is not a good decision.
Next season, Griffin can opt out from his contract and explore free agency. Given his status and salary cap, several teams might be interested in him. If they get Griffin this season, there is a possibility that he might only play for one season with the Lakers. If that happens, the Lakers wasted young talents who could be a potential star in the NBA.
Aside from that, Doc Rivers wanted to keep Griffin in the Clippers line-up. Steve Balmer, the Los Angeles Clippers' owner, also wanted to keep him and co-star Chris Paul "no matter what it costs," according to ESPN.
This 2016-2017 NBA season, what the Lakers need to do is focus on rebuilding, while the Clippers needs contend for an NBA Championship.
The Golden State Warriors is the overwhelming favorite to win the NBA Championship. But if Blake Griffin could play the best basketball of his life this NBA season and if the Clippers manage to make some more adjustment on their line-up, the Clippers might have a slim chance of winning the NBA title.
