Clippers power forward Blake Griffin suffered a fracture in his right (shooting) hand after reportedly striking team equipment manager and close friend Mathias Testi. Griffin is expected to miss approximately four to six weeks of action after undergoing surgery on Tuesday. The team is understandably displeased with Griffin, which was clearly relayed in the team’s official statement. “This conduct has no place in our organization and this incident does not represent who are as a team,” the statement read. “We are conducting a full investigation with assistance from the NBA. At the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken.”
Los Angeles is currently the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 29-16 entering Wednesday night’s action, and the loss of Griffin could derail what has already been a challenging and somewhat disappointing 2015/16 campaign for the Clippers. The team can likely survive in the short-term without Griffin, though Los Angeles is currently undermanned in the frontcourt after trading fellow power forward Josh Smith to the Rockets last week. The addition of Jeff Ayres via a 10-day deal should help, but it would be unrealistic to expect Ayres to make a significant impact on the team’s fortunes.
The more important issue facing the Clippers is what to do regarding Griffin. While all the facts have not been made public regarding the incident, workplace violence isn’t acceptable regardless of the reasoning. Griffin, 26, is under contract for two more seasons after this one, though he does possess a player option worth $21,373,952 for 2017/18, the final season of his current deal. If Griffin is indeed deemed to be a detriment to the locker room after this incident, the team may decide hitting the reset button by dealing the high-flying forward is the best way forward.
Which brings me to the topic for today: In light of Blake Griffin’s recent incident, should the Clippers look to trade him?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. If you think the team should trade Griffin, where do you think he may end up, and what should Los Angeles expect to recoup in return? If you are on the other side of the argument and feel that Griffin should remain with the Clippers, let us know your reasoning for that choice. We look forward to what you have to say.
should the Pope become Jewish? No way they are trading Griffin, maybe the equipment manager will go but not Blake
Clippers aren’t going to win a championship with their big three nucleus. Trading Griffin might be the answer, but Clips need to do something.
Not this season, but maybe if they flame out in the playoffs again, it would be time to take a hard look at what they have going forward. But I don’t think Doc Rivers has the stomach for a rebuild. If they trade Blake, it would be for equal on-court value in return, or darn close to it.
Don’t think Doc will want to move Blake, but if decides to listen, I could see Danny Ainge trying to cash-in his stockpiled assets to get Blake. He could be the star the Celtics have been waiting to become available.
Clippers winning without him. They need a stretch four. Blake Griffin to Boston for Kelly Olynyk, Nets’, Memphis’ and Boston’s first round picks. Better fit and preparing for the future. The Nets pick could be Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram or Dragan Bender.
Not right now and in the offseason, it depends on the return.
The Celtics would love to acquire Griffin and that Brooklyn pick should turn into a really nice player, but a rookie, no matter how good, doesn’t fit in with the team’s timeline of winning now.
The fake trade (no real sources) that’s been floated around was Griffin to Miami for Bosh and Winslow. I really like that for both sides, if LA does decide they need to part with the tallest man to drive a Kia.
Workplace violence needs to be in the workplace doesn’t it? This didn’t happen in the workplace; however…yes, trade him to OKC for Ibaka and Payne! Payne will be Paul’s replacement (not getting any better/younger). They would’ve been better off letting Jordan remain in Dallas, I’m glad they are struggling!
As a clippers fan and a Blake fan, I only see a couple trades that I would even consider. They probably wouldn’t happen.. Blake for Paul George.. Blake for Melo and Porzingus… Or Blake for Chris Bosh and Justice Winslow. Those trades would definitely help spread the clippers out and the other teams get a proven super star in his prime in return.
Now’s not the right time to do it. Clips would be selling low instead of high.