Over the past 48 hours, I’ve heard very conflicting reports from credible sources about whether the Clippers will seriously entertain offers for the #1 pick. One source said definitively that the Clippers intend to pick and hold onto Griffin. Another said that the Clippers have been aggressive in their Blakephilia only to bolster what was a very sluggish season ticket renewal campaign. You’ve read the reports, so I’m not telling you anything new.
However you feel about Griffin’s prospects, wouldn’t it be foolish for the Clippers not to listen to offers? It’s safe to assume that you’d deal the #1 pick for LeBron James, Danny Granger, or Kevin Durant, which means that Griffin, like any other ballplayer, is an asset that can be assigned a general value. That value is higher for some teams than others. For instance, Portland probably values Blake Griffin less than Washington does. Are there teams out there who are willing to offer a package that exceeds whatever real value Griffin represents to the Clippers?
We know a few things: (1) The Clippers are saddled with three big contracts, and at least two of the three (Baron Davis and Zach Randolph) are overvalued. (2) The Clippers will struggle to get to .500, with or without Blake Griffin. (3) The Clippers have more pressing needs than the PF. (4) Young talent and payroll flexibility — to say nothing of team culture — are vital ingredients to creating a long-term winner. (5) The list of “can’t miss talents” in NBA history includes as many solid contributors and marginal players as superstars.
Signing Blake Griffin will address some of the Clippers’ many issues, but the goal this summer is to solve as many of the problems as possible. The Clippers’ best-case scenario would be a transaction that allows them to dump one of the aforementioned contracts for a useful piece — something along the lines of Hollinger’s proposals — and still retain Griffin, but it’s within the realm of possibility that moving Griffin could give the Clippers the clearest path back to respectability. We won’t know until the offers are public — assuming they ever become public — but it’s conceivable.
Griffin is a sweet prospect, but it’s important to remember that he’s a means, not an end. A responsible GM should rationally weigh the value of Blake Griffin for four years against any and all recourses. The Clippers have a ton of needs and they could very well be presented with an opportunity to address those needs more soundly than a single draft choice can. If they’re offered an existing NBA player who is very good to excellent (and/or a prospect who projects to be very good), and the opportunity to dump either Davis or Randolph, wouldn’t it be managerial malpractice not to consider it?
Let’s open it up: What’s an acceptable offer for Griffin? Please show your work.
59 Responses
The only reason to trade Griffin is the player we recieve. Dumping salary should not influence a trade as big as this. If we truly wanted to dump salary then Duleavy should probably have thought about it before getting ZBO. Realistically, I don’t think we’ll get anyone in the realm of Granger, Durant or Roy and defenitley not players like CP3 or Wade. These players are already proven players and to trade for a rookie could end up being a big mistake.
Not only would this trade have to improve the team, It will have to satisfy the fans. If we feel like we got the short end of the deal then the clippers will never ever hear the end of it. Olowokandi, Korolev type of never ending talk.
The most realistic trade scenarios probably involve other young players. Plaers like OJ Mayo or russell westbrook, Rudy Gay etc. Im not sure there are any realistic trade scenarios out there that satisfy me.
Q.D. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Agreed there isn’t any realistic trade scenarios for the young stars in the league. I can’t believe you put Granger in the same breathe as Roy, Durant or CP3. The players the clippers would entertain have to have “star” power and be willing take one of our big contracts, but OKC would have to give up Durant and others to match either BDavis or ZBo’s contract. I don’t see a trade happening.
I’m excited to Blake Griffin in a clipper uniform.
With a 1% uncertainty of the Clippers selecting Blake have me holding off on renewing my season tix until a week after the draft.
The Blake Griffin Trap Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
We should not fall this TRAP. Just swap pick with Memphis or OKC or both with helpful trade deal. it’s Ricky Rubio or NOTHING.
Ricky Rubio is a rare talent. Don’t even waste your time on Griffin.
Mungo Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 2:10 am
So yeah, I’ve watched some of the Rubio kid playing for Joventut, and I’m going to have to ask exactly which part of his talent is so rare. Is it his inconsistent jump shot? His non-existant post game at either end? His skinny frame? His surpising inability to stay in front of opposing guards? I’m curious. The guy has some nice handles, and can run an offense. His defense consists of racking up a lot of steals.
I’m beginning to think that he is actually an elaborate practical joke.
Furn Dizzle Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 7:22 am
18 years old and held his own against team USA….
Griffin has a chance to be a bust when we have not seen him up against NBA talent. (especially if they say he is leaps and bounds above everyone else in college – that means he didnt play against the best.) I think he is an incredible talent, but betting the farm on #1 picks throughout the years has paid out less than 50/50.
Rubio is going to be an old pro by his first game and has huge upshot. Once he adjusts to the NBA game, he will put butts in seats and win games.
bongstradamus Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
If you havent had the chance to watch some of Rubio’s highlights, please treat yourself to some of last years Olympics. When he was still 17 years old.
Theres a reason so many people are talking about him. Jason Kidd cant shoot, but people still think hes one of the best PGs to walk the face of the planet. He made Jason Kidd look like a rookie in the Olympics.
With Rubio its about his age, his maturity, his ability to perform in high-pressure games and most importantly, his Terminator-like passing. I’ve seen this kid make cross court skip passes leading to an alley oop dunk off an inbounds play.
You will crap your pants seeing this kid make plays. No joke. You’ll be scratching your head wondering how the hell that little spindly white dude made that pass. He’s insanely good at the point.
Bob Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Clips need to stay away from Rubio. Remember he has a huge buyout from his overseas team. He is still under contract oversees for 2 more years. What would motivate him to leave overseas for Clippers? Dunasslevy walk it up and slam it in the post, 1 on 5 offense. The current players have given up on the coach. Also, remember the last can’t miss point guard for the Clippers … Shawn Livingston. Enough said!
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
A Klondike Bar?
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Problems Clips have been facing are nothing to do with good or bad players.
Look at the quality of MINDSET we have in Dunleavy to Sterling(and eveyone in between)…they are mediocre & less than college level. Until someone like Magic Johnson or Kobe Bryant or Micheal Jordan OWNS this franchise, nothing is going to change.
ONE THING and A ONLY THING Sterling can do to help himself and LA fans IS: Please sell your team to one of the above basketball greats. If it’s KOBE…
we can celebrate the new beginning for NBA & LA.
Stian Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Oh yeah, Michael Jordan – now there is a great evaluator of talent (Kwame as #1 pick) and co-franchise owner (Bobcats) if I’ve ever seen one. [rolls eyes]
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Was there this much speculation on the No.1 pick when Lebron and Rose were taken??? Was beat writers writing that there was a possibility that the Cavs would trade Lebron for the right package? Or is this issue of uncertainty only coming forward because it’s the clippers and people expect them to do the unexpected?
bongstradamus Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
We’re the Clippers. We have an entirely different set of problems to navigate than Chicago or Cleveland. They were ready to make their franchises focus around Rose or LeBron. We have a ton of bad contracts and a lot of underperforming talent that needs to be moved around in order to make room for Blake. So now the question becomes, since we need to make a trade, how far are we willing to explore the possibilities? Is Memphis willing to send Ricky Rubio, Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay for Griffin and Kaman? Maybe. Cleveland would laugh if we asked for LeBron. Thats pretty much fact. But I’ll tell you this, if I was the GM for the Spurs and Mike Dunleavy called me to ask how I felt about potentially moving Tim Duncan for Blake Griffin…I’d seriously have to think about it. I’d need Camby though, but i’d be leaning towards the hell yea department.
So in some places it might make sense to expand the parameters of the trade to include Griffin instead of trying to just move our older headcases.
bongstradamus Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
for the record im not advocating trading for Tim Duncan as much as I love the guy. It was really just an example of where someone might be forced to go “hmmmm..”
The Memphis trade though…i could go for that. It has a built in chemistry and we need guys who get along.
clipsamba Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
This exchange with Memphis might work out great for Clips. I’d take Rubio & Rudy over any other available players.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
This talk has got to stop. I’m telling you Clipper management, if you do not draft and keep Blake Griffin, I’m dropping this team immediately. Making big trades for the no. 1, 2 or 3 pick never works out well for those who give it up. ‘Nuff said.
Q.D. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Same here, I just want the chatter stop. I don’t understand how Dunleavy’s comments to the LA Times of Griffin as hands down the pick can’t quite the speculation. Or the inside lining of Andy Roeser’s jacket w/ the number “23″.
Chris. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I’m sorry Q.D., but Andy Roeser is an idiot who knows nothing about basketball. He’s not even clever at all. The inside of the jacket could be read as “23″ for Griffin, or could be him trying to be cute by having the inside of both sides of his jacket as reading 1, 2, 3, as the right side had 1 and the left had 2 & 3. It may just be me watching too much tv and conspiracy theories, but I don’t think the jacket meant anything other than the order of 1,2,3 and he’s trying to make it into a bigger deal. He’s not that smart or else we wouldn’t be in this mess with the Dunce.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I would trade Griffin to OKC for Jeff Green and the #3 pick. Take Rubio at #3 (assuming Thabeet goes to Memphis), and you now have a core of Rubio, Gordon, Green, Kaman. Trade Baron, ZBo, Thornton for hungry, defensive-minded vets.
Q.D. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Jeff Green is an okay player, but not a very good one. He has no position. He can’t shoot and is too small for the PF position and too slow for SF position.
It’s for Durant or nothing for me.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
If they do want to trade him, they’re not going to tell people. They’d be doing what they’re doing now.
I don’t think they’ll trade him because Sterling likes rookie contracts.
I think everyone is waiting to see how tall Griffin really is.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
You don’t trade Griffin unless its a ridiculous offer, but here are a couple trades that make too much sense IMO according to everything I’ve been reading.
Thunder Get:
Chris Kaman OR Zach Randolph OR Marcus Camby (whichever one they prefer, but Kaman would probably be the best fit)
WAS 2009 1st Round Pick (5th Overall)
Clippers Get:
OKC 2009 1st Round Pick (3rd Overall)
Etan Thomas (1 year, 7.3 million)
Deshaun Stevenson (2 years, 7.9 million)
Wizards Get:
OKC 2009 1st Round Pick (25th Overall)
Rights to MINs Future 1st Round Pick From LAC
16 million dollars in potential payroll savings
—————————————————-
OR:
—————————————————-
Grizzlies Get:
Chris Kaman OR Zach Randolph OR Marcus Camby (whichever one they prefer, but Kaman would probably be the best fit)
WAS 2009 1st Round Pick (5th Overall)
Clippers Get:
MEM 2009 1st Round Pick (2nd Overall)
Etan Thomas (1 year, 7.3 million)
Deshaun Stevenson (2 years, 7.9 million)
Wizards Get:
MEM 2009 1st Round Pick (27th Overall)
Rights to MINs Future 1st Round Pick From LAC
16 million dollars in potential payroll savings
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Sorry, but no trades for the picks (either the #1 or Minn eventual pick) is doable. We need and want Griffin, nothing is worth him right now. He’s cheap and he’s ours.
The Clips main priorites in my opinion via trade is this:
1. Get rid of Dunleavy (not posiible but always the #1 priority)
2. Get rid of Zach Randolph
3. Get rid of either Kaman or Camby
4. Only trade Thorton if we can get a good wing with defense as a priority.
*I think B. Davis knows he has to get his shit together and I’m not giving up on him yet. With younger talent to build this team I think he can motivate and lead again. He is expendable if it involves getting in a star pg or even Rubio, but I don’t think either is likely.
** I like Thorton, think he’s a great 6th man who can bring offense off the bench, but his lack of D means he can’t start for us as the 3 has the best ballers around.
Needs:
1. Backcourt help – we don’t have the supporting cast for Gordon, he needs a good back-up defense minded veteran to help guide him
2. Defense help (especially wing)
3. Fix the holes made by the trades (i.e. PG if Baron is gone, SF if Thorton is gone, etc. Griffin at #1 fixes PF when Randolph is hopefully gone.
*Whoever we trade for will need to bring some defense with them because obviously we need A LOT of help there.
Suggestions:
These trades are my wish list, probably doubtful, but work thanks to “RealGM Trade Checker” financially.
1. Chicago & The Clips – Chicago wants to dump Tyrus Thomas and probably Kirk Hinrich because they need to keep Ben Gordon around and happy. They want frontcourt offense. Clips need to be ridden of Randolph. So Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas for Randolph straight up works money wise. Sadly so does Kirk and Tyrus for Randolph and Thorton, which Chicago would probably prefer but I don’t know if I’d be too happy with that. But if Chicago gave us their #16 first roung pick (not their #26 first round pick), I’d feel fine about that. Plus, trading with the East is always better than trading with a West rival.
2. Dallas & Clips – If Dallas should lose Kidd to FA, they will need a pg, well, we’d love to give them B.Davis apparently, plus they also want a big to compete right now who can play alongside Dirk. The two options for us would be Kaman or Camby, and Dirk loves his German teammate Kaman, but Camby and 1 year they may like better, either works money wise. We’d need a new PG, and assuming we don’t somehow get Rubio another way via trade, we get Jason Terry from Dallas plus Josh Howard who they want to unload, good players, 2 years left for Josh and 3 for Terry. Clippers Trade B. Davis & either Kaman/Camby to Dallas for J. Terry and J. Howard. Clips get new PG and good option to start SF while Dallas gets new big man with Dirk and new PG to replace Kidd.
3. This one is hard, sadly I don’t like any Memphis options because they all include us getting Jaric back, who’s bad contract the Grizzlies want to get rid of was signed by us, something we were lucky to get rid of. As for Oklahoma City, I don’t see anything they’d give us that I’d like except their #3 pick and for that they’d want our #1 and that isn’t an option. So, my 3rd favorite dream option would be for us to somehow anyhow get Ron Artest, crazy guy I know but he wanted to be in LA and is the defensive person we need in every which way possible. Not sure how to do it financially but we need to just do it. So my proposal would be Clips send B. Davis, Z. Randolph, M. Camby, and Al Thorton to Houston for sign and trade Artest, Shane Battier & Tracy McGrady. Of course, this Artest would have to ask for. Houston wants to win now and also have no need for useless should retire McGrady who the Clippers could deal with on the bench for one season in order to get Artest for ever. I know Battier and McGrady works financially with Randolph, Davis and Thorton, so hopefully the whole sign and trade would work if we throw in Camby somehow. I dunno.
These are my 2 cents, I’d love to get Rubio as well somehow, but whoever really gets the top 2 picks in the draft EVER, these are the Clips we are dealing with so I’m sooooo happy with #1 Griffin. Even if we can’t unload any of our current guys, we’ll be getting the #1 draft pick, hopefully a team with more playing time together, and another good lottery pick next year where we go for the gold 2 years in a row and pray to land the #1 again and get John Wall and get rid of Dunleavy and get an uptempo coach and run the Lakers out of town and rule the world. Ahh, the dream the unthinkable dream. Plus, in 2011 we can make it a hat trick and get the #1 3 years in a row thanks to Minnesota’s unprotected lottery pick that year! Younger, Faster, Strong and Better, it shall be Hip2Clip again!
Chris. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
p.s. if we do nothing, next year we’ll have Camby and another 10 million off the bills, and then a year later it’s sayanora Randolph. 2 years is bad, but we’ve been thru worse. As last year showed, sometimes dealing the farm isn’t such a good idea. And for the Clippers and all this “how will they possibly screw up a sure thing – the #1 pick,” well, i’d say no news can be good news on the Clipper front!
Q.D. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I agree
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Plus, there is no way they’d keep Dunleavy around for another year after he messes up this year. 2 years he’s out for sure. He is desperate & he may try anything to make it work now which scares me more than anything. If y’all thought he couldn’t screw up this franchise any more, he can and he will!
Griffin #1!!!!!!!!
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Clipper trade the pick to Memphis for Gay and the #2 pick
Q.D. Reply:
May 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I don’t think that will happen b/c they want to get rid of a contract
Chris. Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Uh, a lot more would have to happen first, especially we get rid of baron and one of kaman/camby/randolph to free up money and give rubio more playing time and rudy will want a contract extension after next year.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Rubio doesn’t want to play in Memphis or Oklahoma City, and the threat of him staying overseas is probably enough to make those teams pass. Oklahoma City likely overvalues Griffin and would love to keep him home to team up with Durant and Westbrook. I think this trade could work out well for both teams.
OKC Receives:
Baron Davis (12.1/4yr)
LAC 2009 1st round pick (1st overall) -Blake Griffin
LAC Receives:
Earl Watson (6.6/1yr)
Jeff Green (3.5/1+1yr)
Thabo Seflosha (2.7m/1yr)
OKC 2009 1st round pick (3rd overall)- Ricky Rubio
2010 1st round pick VIA Phoenix Suns
Why this works for LAC:
The Clippers get to dump Baron Davis and his lengthy contract, freeing up the starting spot for PG Ricky Rubio. The Clippers also get a valuable expiring contract in Earl Watson, and two young, defensive minded players in Green and Seflosha. By dumping Baron, the Clippers guaranteed contracts would total only 15 million in two years. In addition to cap flexibility, the 2010 Suns pick is unprotected and could very well become a top 10 pick considering Phoenix’s troubles and the inevitable fire sale on the horizon. The trio of Rubio, Gordon, and Green are all under the age off 22 and Thornton, Seflosha and Camby (if he’s not traded) could instantly become one of the better second units in basketball.
Why this works for OKC:
The Thunder get hometown kid Blake Griffin, who would immediately create tons of interest around the team and sell plenty of jerseys. The 3-4 combination of Durant and Griffin could immediately become one of the best in the league. The trade allows Russell Westbrook to move off the ball and embrace his inner Monta Ellis playing next to Baron Davis. Davis and his lengthy contract are a risk, but with Oklahoma City being pretty low on the desired free agent location totem pole, he might be one of the best players they could get. A starting 5 of Baron, Westbrook, Durant, Griffin and Krstic would most likely lead the Thunder to the playoffs- which would be a nice bargaining tool to keep Durant in OKC.
Why this might not work:
This trade would have to be done after the draft, as Memphis could actually select Rubio and ruin everything. Out of the two teams, Oklahoma City would be most likely to blink first. Sam Presti is a brilliant general manager, and using his valued cap space to take a chance on Baron doesn’t sound like something he would do.
bongstradamus Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 4:29 am
Thabeets bio reads word for word like Michael Olowokandis. Seriously. Compare them, its eery. Both players relatively new to basketball, both naturally inclined to defense and blocking with “limitless offensive potential, but limited evidence it exists”. I dont think Thabeet will go before Rubio. Theres too many question marks and the experience question alone makes Rubio an infinitely better pick given his age and professional career at the 2 spot. Memphis will pick Rubio if we dont first.
Sefolosha is a lost cause. We dont want him.
Jeff Green is Al Thornton with about 40 more IQ points. Good player but not worth the pick. Hell be a third tier player tops, maybe a 1 season all-star voted in as a sub.
We wont get Rubio because OKC will have Thabeet, or maybe they get daring and take Jennings 3rd and push Westbrook to the offguard spot instead. Presti is a smart guy. They need a guy in the middle but I dont think he’ll bite on Thabeet. Then again i might be projecting my own opinions on him since i regard him so highly.
This is a bad trade for us. Baron may have dogged it last season, but to toss him and Blake Griffin for Thabo, Jeff Green and whoever OKC takes with their third pick isnt a winning deal in the long run.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Granger? Are you serious?
Giving up Griffin in not worth moving Baron’s contract – Baron isn’t in Marbury territory yet.
ZBo only has 2 years left and next year is an expirer – we are not desperate to get rid of him, especially as he is a productive player.
I’d def. move him & the Minny Pick (and maybe a future #1) for Durant – that guy is ridiculous…
Another trade thought I had – and maybe this is totally impossible – is trying to trade him for Chris Paul (with other contracts, of course). Noh needs to shed contracts and might take a cheap, potential franchise guy in his place.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
We need to keep Blake Griffin at all costs! You can’t mess up the chance to have a better version of a Roy-Aldrige like tandem with Gordon and Griffin. Keep Baron as a distributor, and one year of Randolph hanging around is worth it to have a 17 million dollar expiring contract in 2010-2011. If not, I say try to move Randolph and possibly Thornton for Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. We need 2 keep Kaman and Camby to solidify the 5. If Camby can’t be kept past next season, we have DJ waiting in the wings. We can’t send Blake Griffin to OKC for anything less than Kevin Durant.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
i’m a huge rubio fan. that said, the clips should definately keep blake griffin. blake griffin could easily be the best player to ever wear a clippers jersey. i also believe baron will turn it back around this year, and while i’m not opposed to trading him if the right deal comes up, i’d still rather keep him than try to dump his contract.
Posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Please show your work? Is there going to be a follow-up, a careful KA consideration of the best proposals?
A few points:
1. In the bad contracts section, it’s important to include Dunleavy’s deal. Not that it can be traded of course, but there’s a clock on it, and he will either turn things around (unlikely) and be like Doc Rivers, or there will be a new regime. He might stay as the GM and hire a coach, of course. But it’s important to calculate the odds of how long MDSr. will be the coach of Blake Griffin (and EGordon, etc.), if the Clips pick him.
2. Not sure that it’s wise to put the Zbo contract and the BDavis contract side-by-side in the bad contracts category. They’re apples and oranges: not all bad contracts are the same. Baron’s deal is a lot longer, for instance. And it’s not clear that BDavis is done and, as someone said above, in Marbury and Steve Francis territory. He still might be the hard-nosed, clutch playoff leader that the young Clipper team needs if they can make it to the next level. ZBo is a problematic player, obviously, but his deal is up in two seasons, and that’s an important factor.
3. The deal I like best right now is to try to make a trade with Memphis (one that doesn’t include the #1 pick) to get the #2 pick, so that the Clips could draft both Griffin and Rubio. It would mean giving up Kaman or Randolph, and taking back Jaric and Darko, but it would work. I’d rather take the risk with Griffin rather than adding to the deal to get Rudy Gay, and making a big time swap to end up with Gasol and Gay and Rubio while giving up Griffin and big men doesn’t make much sense to me. And I think that Randolph is a better fit than Kaman in Memphis–let them keep Gasol.
4. So I’m approaching the trade machine by 1)looking for teams that need a PF like Randolph (Memphis, OKC, Milwaukee, Chicago); 2) teams that need a center like Kaman (OKC, Charlotte, Minnesota. Indiana, Chicago); 3) bigger deals that might involve either or both of those players, or Camby, BDavis, DJordan or Thornton. So it’s a stretch to think of deals for Griffin and the #1 pick. And again, with the Dunleavy window, which is short relative to the development of 20-year-olds Gordon and Griffin (and DJordan), it’s hard to see the player that it would be worth going after with Griffin.
But I’ll try.
Chris. Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 10:55 am
i agree, last year we moved too much and it turned out bad, why bother and focus on what we’ve got now and are getting in Griffin and not gamble anymore. We will be losing big contracts soon enough (Camby next year, Randolph after that, Kaman then… etc.) plus getting more top draft pics with our lottery next year plus Minn. guaranteed in 2011 unprotected.
Kevin Arnovitz Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
“Is there going to be a follow-up, a careful KA consideration of the best proposals?”
–Absolutely. We will step into the lab Monday morning.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 9:21 am
I’ve been a season ticket holder for years. If the Clippers trade Blake Griffin for any one other than Kobe, Lebron, or Wade, I will not renew my tickets this year. And I think I can speak for many other season ticket holders.
I don’t want Ricky Rubio. I’ve seen enough basketball to know that he’s a shorter, thinner (if you believe that) less athletic version of Shawn Livingston. There’s no way in hell, Ricky can even been consider a top 5 PG even if he gets stronger and develops a shot. In my opinion, he’ll be a bust.
Blake Griffin, if he legitimately 6’10, he’ll dominate immediately, as there are many aging power forwards in the league, Duncan, Sheed, etc.
Think Dwight Howard and his impact to Orlando Magics. That’s what Blake will bring for us.
Don’t trade Blake!!!!!!!
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 10:05 am
You do NOT trade Blake Griffin. P.E.R.I.O.D.! a) because you will not get equal value at this point, and b) because it would be a total buzz killer. Clipper fans are genuinely EXCITED about BG because this kid is a sure fire thing. This isn’t some ridiculous project like Olowokandi or Livingston.
What the Clippers need to do is take advantage of the fact that Rubio will not play for Memphis or OKC and figure out a way to bring in Ricky along with Griffin.
bongstradamus Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 11:44 am
it can happen, we just need to take on Darko or Marko’s contracts.
It gets tougher to skin the cat while keeping Griffin, but it is possible, Memphis has some room to absorb cap.
But the best deals for both teams would be:
MEM
Rudy Gay
Darko Milicic or Marko Jaric (they probably want to dump Darko more than Marko)
Ricky Rubio
for
LAC
Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby
Blake Griffin
possible 2nd round picks for flavor
Theyd most likely bite on a deal with Griffin and Camby due to contract lengths/character. Either deal of course leaves us with Zach and Baron and either Camby or Kaman for the 5 spot. For the Clipps it creates the room we need and fills other team needs (the wing and the point primarily). For Memphis it gives a good backup for Gasol and the big man theyd want in Griffin. Seems like a win-win to me. But yea, wed be trading the pick as part of the salary swap.
jockgroove Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Rudy Gay and Ricky Rubio do not equal Blake Griffin and Kaman/Camby. Ludicrous.
Chris. Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
no deal, bong, are you nuts? Trading Camby and Blake Griffin? For Rubio and Rudy and another bad contract? No way in any world does any of that make sense for the Clippers in any way possible. Griffin must stay. Camby for the pick plus another player is a possibility, but Griffin and Camby? NEVER!
Besides, what Stian was saying is that we can’t trade Griffin which I agree with, he was just hoping for an option to get Rubio with some other option OTHER than trading Griffin. Griffin and Gordon are untouchable, anything else can go.
Oh me oh my!
jockgroove Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Bingo
bongstradamus Reply:
May 24th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Memphis isnt just gonna let themselves get taken, theres gotta be something appealing in a deal for them.
With Kaman’s trade kicker and multiple years, he’s not someone they probably want to take on. Randolph we already know they arent interested in. That leaves Camby being the only enticing piece of the trade. If they are giving up Rubio and Rudy then they will want something in return. We need to swallow a bad contract to even come to the table.
If we’re just going for the pick and nothing else we can offer less. But think about it, you are trading a #1 pick for 2 top 4 picks and addressing your needs at 1 and 3. I know it sounds like a whack trade, but in the end it balances all the different pieces we have. Offloading Randolph is nearly impossible and Kaman may be hard to move as well. That leaves Camby and Griffin as the two best assets we have in trade discussions.
Really my trade idea was 1 piece of the future for 2 pieces of the future. It’s really Griffin for Rubio and Gay. Cambys a great player, but lets face it, hes not going to be here in 4 years, if we can add 2 parts to the core i say go for it.
The original post is about what we would give up for Griffin, so thats why I mentioned the deals.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
plus, Clips could take Minny’s #18 pick and use a SF/SG back-up strong defender, but I’d prefer to wait til 2011 when we get their pick unprotected. thoughts?
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
We should not fall to this TRAP. Just swap pick with Memphis or OKC or both(All 3 teams would agree on whom to pick & engage in multi-player movement with helpful trade deal. it’s Ricky Rubio or NOTHING.
Ricky Rubio is a rare talent. Don’t even waste your time on Griffin.
jockgroove Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Are you working for Rubio’s agent? That’s insane. Griffin is just as rare a talent and Rubio hasn’t proved he’s anywhere near the top level NBA pg’s. Shoot, even Shawn Livingston was a better defender at his age than Rubio is.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I keep hearing Blake Griffin is a sure thing but nobody ever says why. It’ll be interesting to see how tall he really is. I serious doubt he’s 6’10. Griffin reminds me a lot of Boozer not Dwight Howard/Amare or anything like that. And guys like Boozer aren’t franchise type guys in the sense you’re not winning a thing with them as your best player. I think the same can be said for Griffin. So why not entertain the idea of trading the pick? If the clippers draft Griffin they have to trade one of their bigs. Kaman for Hinrich anyone? Oh yeah one more thing FIRE DUNLEAVEY!
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I don’t know why you guys are even entertaining the thought of trading Griffin! Explosive scorer, Consistent Rebounder, Positive team attitude, Tremendous work ethic, Size/strength…what more could you want in a player? We could run him at the 3 if need be.You don’t trade away a player of his caliber. In basketball, one player on a team makes a huge difference… The Clips can’t blow this opportunity.
We must trade Kaman for a defensive minded SF like Earl Clark or another defensive player. kaman has a fucked up attitude and is more injured then healthy. Those are two negatives that mess up a team. I know a lot you guys are thinking that kaman has size and has a lot of potential for our team…fuck that! We deserve to win now and let him go play for the german national team and stay there. DJ has more upside than Kaman, let him get more playing time and move the dead weight.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I like Blake Griffin a lot. Al Thornton has a bright future with this franchise the problem is that he’s too selfish with the basketball this offseason he needs to add more dimensions to his game which is learning how to move without the ball, learn how to trust his teammates by knowin when the time is right to pass the ball by distributing the ball and gettin more to the charity stripe with added strength and spreadin out the floor with his quickness. If he can develop more dimensions to his game durin the offseason he’s off to a bright start. Passin comes first and scorin comes later when the time is right.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
I want no part of Gay. Seems like a selfish, ball-stopper that doesn’t play D and has a low IQ (we already have the less talented version in Thorton).
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I don’t understand the fascination with Ricky Rubio. He danced circles around slow, Euro white defenders, big deal!
He can’t knock down a mid range shot to save his life. He is not what you want as the face of the organization.
Posted on May 24th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Brandon Roy for Griffin.
Posted on May 25th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Ricky Rubio = Bust…We tried to developed another 18 year old PG a few years ago (Shaun Livingston) and it didn’t work. I’m sorry to say, but the college game prepares players more than most international leagues. Blake Griffin is our choice and there shouldn’t be any debates about it. As Clippers fans, we need this young, exciting and budding superstar to wear the Clippers jersey. He brings relief and optimism to our franchise and fans. If we trade the pick to Memphis or Oklahoma City to pick Rubio, I swear I will NOT be a fan anymore. It’s pretty ridiculous to even talk about this. If we do trade the pick to either Oklahoma City or Memphis, the only player I would like to see in a Clippers uniform is Kevin Durant. Knowing that will never happen, please keep the pick. Trade either Kaman or Randolph (I would like to see both go) for some better bench help. I played with the ESPN Trade Machine and this is what I came up:
Trade #1: Kaman to the Bulls for Kirk Hinrich. The Bulls need a big man and Hinrich can back up Boomdizzle and Hinrich can play the SG and PG positions.
Trade #2: Randolph to the Nets for Yi and Bobby Simmons. The Nets need a PF and we can use Yi for marketing and Simmons can back up Thornton. Also, Yi can play the SF and PF positions.
2009/2010 Clippers Roster:
PG: B. Diddy, Hinrich, M. Taylor
SG: Gordon, F. Jones, R. Davis
SF: Thornton, Simmons, M. Collins
PF: Griffin, Novak, Yi
C: Camby, D. Jordan, Skinner
Marcus Camby can be a great mentor to Griffin and Jordan. The Kaman Project is over and he needs a new scenery, and Z-Bo should have never been brought to LA. So this is what I’m saying. Don’t trade the #1 pick, please strengthen the bench, and bring Griffin to LA. Yi + Griffin x Los Angeles = $$$, more wins, and a stronger fan base.
Blink Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 11:08 am
This is a great trade, love both ideas, get on the phone to the Dunleavy.
Seth Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Mr. Kevin Arnovitz, if you have Coach’s number or email address I would LOVE to talk Clippers basketball with him.
Stian Reply:
May 25th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
“Ricky Rubio = Bust…We tried to developed another 18 year old PG a few years ago (Shaun Livingston) and it didn’t work. I’m sorry to say, but the college game prepares players more than most international leagues.”
Now THAT is a stupid thing to say. Rubio is a stud in the 2nd best league in the world and is the PG on the 2nd best national team in the world. Spain’s national team would piss all over the best NCAA team and it’s not even close. Rubio is the best guard to come out of Europe since Tony Parker. He is a special talent. But, I’d still pick Griffin over him.
Posted on May 25th, 2009 at 10:12 am
i see a lot of Gay love going on here…..
a lot of people seem to be overvaluing gay in all these trade scenarios…..
like mentioned before, we need griffin…..the only way to trade him, would be for durant…..no one else, and that is never going to happen……
Posted on May 25th, 2009 at 11:41 am
the only thing i’m sure of is that if we accept any deal at all for blake, he will surely become the 2nd best player (after lebron) for the next decade.
Posted on May 25th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Why not trade Griffin to Golden State for Maggette and Ellis? Is that dumb? It sounds as crazy and stupid as all these other suggestions.
Posted on May 27th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
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