Is Blake Griffin Actually On The Trading Block?

Sean Taylor

February 17, 2016

There are a lot of big names being thrown around in trade rumors prior to the NBA Trade deadline on Thursday 3pm Eastern time. Some names rumored to be on the block are Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Kevin Love, Al Horford, Taj Gibson and Blake Griffin among others.

Carmelo Anthony already stated he isn’t going anywhere and wants to stay in New York. Meanwhile, Cleveland Cavaliers GM David Griffin said that the only way they would trade Kevin Love is if they got a star player back in return. Boston Celtics are one team said to be interested in Kevin Love but obviously don’t have a star player to give to in return.

I believe the name everyone is definitely buzzing about is Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who for the past few days has been tossed around in numerous trade rumors about been shipped out of Los Angeles. Griffin is currently out injured and has been since late January due to a broken hand, after punching friend Matias Testi, a member of the Clippers equipment staff. Griffin had already missed 14 games prior to that, and would have to sit out another 4 to 6 weeks for the broken hand to recover. The Clippers suspended Griffin after the fight incident, a punishment that will not take effect until Griffin is healthy. The All-Star forward had been averaging 23.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game before his injury and has missed the last 23 games. During that time, the Clippers have been playing very well without him and have gone 18-5.

Without Blake Griffin, the Clippers have been more efficient offensively. pic.twitter.com/OTzQq3uy7I

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 17, 2016

Clippers’ coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers told the media on Tuesday that he does not plan on trading Blake Griffin. For now, there’s still a lot of buzz and it won’t quiet down until tomorrow’s deadline at 3pm Eastern time. One thing I know for sure is never underestimate the rumors, just when you think no one is going anywhere…Boom a big name is moved.

Here is a video of Blake Griffin apologizing for the fight incident that happened with Clippers equipment member, incident which resulted in Griffin’s four game suspension.