Throughout the 2020-21 NBA Season, Blake Griffin has been one of the names that were rumored to be traded by the trade deadline. However, on March 5, the Detroit Pistons agreed to buy out Griffin’s contract. That means that the veteran will find his new team via free agency.
It’s not unusual for veterans to be bought out before the deadline, only to sign to a contender for cheap. After all, Griffin’s cap hit was $36.8 million this season, which made it hard for teams to trade for him.
According to Bovada, Griffin is likely to end up with the Brooklyn Nets in hopes of competing for the NBA Championship. The odds of that happening are -200.
Blake Griffin Signing Odds
Odds via Bovada as of Friday, March 5
- Brooklyn Nets -200
- Miami Heat +450
- Los Angeles Lakers +850
- Los Angeles Clippers +850
- Golden State Warriors +1000
Griffin Could Join Nets Super Team
When the Nets traded for James Harden, they had to give up a lot of their depth to make the deal happen. Signing Blake Griffin would give Brooklyn some much-needed help. Kevin Durant has been playing a lot of power forward minutes this season. While he’s more than capable of handling it, Griffin would take some pressure off of him.
Griffin may not be in his prime anymore, but he wouldn’t have to be the top option like he was for the Pistons. With Harden, Durant and Kyrie Irving handling most of the offensive duties, Griffin could play in whichever role that’s needed. Also, joining the Nets should provide Griffin would a relatively easy path to the Eastern Conference Finals, at minimum.
Miami Heat Another Frontrunner for Blake Griffin
The Miami Heat have been one of the favorites to land Blake Griffin ever since he was rumored to be traded. Two weeks ago, BetOnline had him going to the Heat via trade at +350. Now, at +450, there’s a good chance that Griffin signs a cheap contract in Miami.
The Heat may have started off the season slow, but they are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are sixth in the Eastern Conference as of March 5. Just like if he went to Brooklyn, Griffin wouldn’t be a top option in Miami with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro around. Even though the Heat made it to the NBA Finals last season, Griffin would still be a valuable locker room addition for Miami’s youth.
Griffin Could Return To California… but To Which Team?
Three of the NBA’s California could also make a play for Blake Griffin. One option would be the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use his help. The Lakers have been falling down the Western Conference standings ever since Anthony Davis got injured. While Davis is expected to return to the lineup within the next few weeks, Griffin would add some valuable depth. He could also fill in for Davis if he needs rest down the stretch.
At +850, the Los Angeles Clippers have the same odds as the Lakers of landing Griffin. He spent 7.5 seasons with the Clippers to start his career. However, they traded Griffin just one year after signing a five-year, $173 million contract. If time has healed all wounds, he could go back to the team where it all began to finally win an NBA Championship.
Lastly, the Golden State Warriors are the third California-based team looking at Griffin. While Stephen Curry has been carrying the team this season, he could use help. After Curry (29.7 ppg), Andrew Wiggins (17.0 ppg) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (15.5 ppg), the Warriors’ offense falls off. Griffin probably isn’t a 20+ ppg player anymore, but maybe he can provide an offensive spark coming off of the Warriors’ bench.
