Potential landing sites for Blake Griffin of Detroit Pistons | Bleacher Report

Blake Griffin’s time with the Detroit Pistons is almost over.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will be out of the series while the franchise wants to trade the rest of his contract or eventually buy out.

“After an extensive discussion with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin to facilitate a resolution on his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Detroit head Troy Weaver told Wojnarowski .

While the Pistons wisely want to prioritize their young core over the 31-year-old Griffin, it’s hard to find a trading partner.

This version of Griffin looks more like a current Marc Gasol in attack than the high-flying phenomenon that has suffered 784 tackles over its first four seasons. With his athletic ability down the line over the past few years due to multiple knee surgeries, he scores 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists and shoots just 36.5 percent off the field.

Griffin is not even trying to dive anymore (this season in 20 games zero) and rather spends much of his time on the perimeter. His defense also suffered; opponents are converting a whopping 70.7 percent of their shots to the edge when defended. He blocked a total of two shots throughout the season, giving the protection of his fields in the company of players like Doug McDermott and Devonte ‘Graham.

His contract also makes him virtually unmanageable, as the rest of his $ 36.6 million salary will be paid this season with a $ 39 million player option next year.

So why would any team want him, even after a buyout?

Griffin has become a good passer-by during his career, a skill that should not go away even if his other physical characteristics diminish. He is adequate in attack (34.6 percent on catch-and-shoot tries) and will look much better on a minimum transaction after a buyout than under his current maximum transaction.

Participants who need a power forward who can shoot and create for others from the elbow should show interest, especially those with a strong defensive center to place next to him.

If and when a buyout takes place, these three teams must first call.

Boston Celtics

Griffin can help meet the needs of the Celtics better than any other team.

Boston struggled throughout the season to find a reliable starter for power forward, while Daniel Theis, Grant Williams and Semi Oeieye took turns. While Griffin may no longer be able to handle starting minutes, he will be a welcome addition to the depth chart.

The Celtics are averaging just 54.1 percent of their baskets this season, standing only ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. With starting point guard Kemba Walker suffering from his own knee ailments, they could use Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to use another willing ball changer.

Both stars need lanes, and Griffin is good enough to keep the floor spread and should be good at sitting in the back when working in a winning environment again.

Boston also has some defensive big men (Tristan Thompson, Robert Williams III, Theis) who will pair alongside Griffin, which will prevent him from having to defend opponents.

Miami Heat

At 11-15, the Heat need all the help they can get, and should be interested in Griffin after a possible buyout. Their offense ranks 26th this season (106.0 points per 100 possessions), which is even lower than the Pistons (108.7).

Miami also lost the big man, Meyers Leonard, to shoulder surgery after just three games, providing a need for a power forward who can spread the floor.

With Kelly Olynyk and rookie Precious Achiuwa in position, the Heat could use a 4 that could pass Griffin as well. The head coach, Erik Spoelstra, can break his offense wide open through the playing ability of Griffin and Bam Adebayo, who is perhaps the league’s best big combination in that area.

Speaking of Adebayo, the 23-year-old All-Star and the 2019-20 All-Defensive second defender, the perfect defensive option is to compensate Griffin’s weaknesses. He’s quick enough to recover as Griffin’s husband knocks him down the dribble and athletic enough to deny attempts to the edge.

Returning to a city with hot weather, Griffin should also address, especially since he has spent the last three plus winters in Detroit.

Los Angeles Lakers

The sooner the buyout for Griffin, the better for the Lakers.

With power forward Anthony Davis now sidelined for at least two to three weeks with a strained calf, they could use a little more depth on the position. Of course, his injury can last much longer. Kevin Love was shut down by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 27 for the same injury and missed the next 24 games and score.

The Lakers need to take Davis all the time he needs to recover, which opens up a need for Griffin.

Since Kyle Kuzma is likely to slip into the starting power forward, Griffin will serve as a play reserve 4 that could help create shots for the rest of the banking unit. The veteran’s best game of the year took place on January 28 against the Lakers when he scored 23 points, handed out six assists and scored 5-out-10 of three points in a win in Detroit.

LeBron James enjoyed his share of the easy baskets this season due to the timely delivery of Gasol, who converted 71.4 percent of his shots in the arc into the 36-year-old center. Griffin would bring a similar set of skills and would also benefit from a passing talent like James.

There is also the revenge factor.

Since the Clippers traded him out of Los Angeles a few months after signing a five-year deal, Griffin would have extra motivation to win a title at the Staples Center for the Lakers.