Blake Griffin might be the best player for NBA teams to target before Thursday’s trade deadline, and the Boston Celtics reportedly have inquired about the Los Angeles Clippers power forward.
“A Western source confirmed the Celtics were one of a number of teams calling the Clippers to see if Blake Griffin is, indeed, on the menu,” The Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett wrote Tuesday. “But the result of those inquiries has thus far been that, while the Clips are listening, they have no real intention of moving the star forward.”
Griffin, if traded to Boston, wouldn’t be able to help the Celtics right away. He’s still recovering from a broken right hand that he suffered from punching a Clippers staff member last month. Griffin is expected to return before the end of the regular season, however.
When healthy, Griffin is among the best forwards in the league and an MVP-caliber player. He’s averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 30 games this season. He put up 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.1Â assists per game in the 2015 NBA playoffs.
There’s not a whole lot of incentive for L.A. to trade Griffin before the summer, though, unless another team gives it quality players in return and not just a bunch of draft picks and depth guys. The Clippers are legitimate contenders in the Western Conference with Griffin, despite their impressive record in his absence.
The Celtics should do something, though, even if Griffin is not available or the asking price is too high. Boston, with one or two upgrades, could find itself in the Eastern Conference finals come May. A slightly improved Celtics squad could beat any team in the East, with the exception of Cleveland.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
