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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 trade destinations for Blake Griffin

By Dave Stevenson

December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers could both improve their teams if they swapped their big men. The Cavs would get Blake Griffin and the Clippers would get Kevin Love and most likely a draft pick because Griffin is a better player than Love. It would certainly be a bold move for both teams and there would be a significant amount of risk involved.

The Cavaliers would do this deal in a heartbeat, because they’d be getting the best player in the deal. Love is a very good player but he just hasn’t worked out in Cleveland. The Cavs don’t need Love to dominate the Eastern Conference; that’s been proven. Blake Griffin would be a much better fit in Cleveland than Love.

There’s just one issue, which is the number of touches that Love gets. He needs to get touches to be an effective player. Griffin is the same way, however, Griffin is also a significantly better passer and interior defender than Love. It would be a risky move for the Cavaliers since there’s no knowing if Griffin will fit in. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where he’d be a worse fit than Love.

Would the Clippers do this trade? Perhaps. Paul is very good at keeping his teammates happy with touches. Paul could make Love what he was with the Timberwolves: a dominant player who can be at times borderline unstoppable. Love is also arguably the best stretch four in the NBA.

It would be a risky move for both sides and the Clippers likely wouldn’t do it. However, the fit is undeniable for both Blake Griffin and Kevin Love.

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