5 stars the Boston Celtics should try to trade for
By Connor Learn
4. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Some Los Angeles Clippers fans believe them to be better when Blake Griffin is not on the floor. The Clippers went 30-15 without Griffin last year and have again played well this year without him.
They have succeeded using Chris Paul-Deandre Jordan pick and rolls and surrounding that action with shooters. They have rolled back the same squad these last few years and Doc Rivers may seek to shake things up while Chris Paul is still in his prime.
Los Angeles isn’t better without Blake Griffin. They get by, but when you replace a three-time All-NBA player with nothing, then it simply isn’t true. He is their leading scorer and is a very talented player.
However, if they got a decent return for Blake Griffin now, it could benefit them. The possibility of the 27-year-old finding himself on a new team when he comes back around the end of the month exists.
The Celtics would be capable of offering the Brooklyn picks and other players that help the Clippers today. Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk would be good role players for L.A. Avery Bradley could replace impending free agent J.J. Redick. Jae Crowder is hitting a career high 42.3 percent from three this year and could fill their small forward spot. There are a lot of ways that this trade could work.
The Clippers will be at a real crossroads if they don’t win a title this year. Redick will be a free agent and Blake Griffin and Chris Paul can opt out as well. If head coach/GM Doc Rivers plans on staying in Los Angeles long-term, he may consider shaking things up with a trade. And if so, Boston may be able to land a star.