The Boston Celtics probably would have preferred the Pistons shut down Blake Griffin a little sooner, before his 12 points, four rebounds and six assists helped Detroit deal Boston a tough loss Friday.
Griffin has been shut down as the Pistons explore opportunities to trade him and the team does not want to risk injury while it searches for a deal. Detroit announced the decision Monday.
“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Piston’s general manager Troy Weaver told ESPN Monday. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all 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 trade partner it won’t be the Celtics.
Griffin’s $38.9 million salary is more than the Celtics’ available trade exception ($28.5 million for Gordon Hayward). They don’t have the room to acquire him. But there’s no guarantee Detroit finds a taker for Griffin, whose run of recent injuries makes his value well below his salary. They might be able to move him for a similarly difficult contract. But there’s a good chance they don’t find a partner.
The Pistons, whose record is near the bottom of the league should be in prime lottery position. Having Griffin help them win games this year might do more harm than good to their rebuilding efforts.
If Detroit chooses to buy him out, Griffin could certainly be an asset to the Celtics. He’s averaging 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. His 3.9 assists per game would be a good fit in a Celtics offense that wants to move the ball more.
But Boston is exploring other options at forward and could trade for a player that might make acquiring Griffin redundant.
Griffin and Cavs center Andrew Drummond were both shut down Monday perhaps signaling an early start to the trade market, which has another month until the deadline.
Drummond, who became expendable as the Cavaliers are committing to Jarrett Allen at center, has been strongly linked to the Raptors. He probably wouldn’t be a fit in Boston as his salary is too high and Cleveland is much more likely to find a willing trade partner for the healthy 27-year-old.
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