NBA rumors: 5 dark horses to sign Blake Griffin if he’s bought out

5. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are the only team on this list that could realistically swing a trade for Griffin and also pursue him in a buyout scenario. Assuming they’re not desperate enough to surrender a package of Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard for him now, waiting to see if he’s bought out is the avenue that makes more sense.

Coming off a surprising NBA Finals run, the Heat are only three games behind the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference — even with their brutal 12-17 start heading into Saturday’s action. They’ve missed Jae Crowder in his small-ball 4 role, especially as a tough wing/interior defender who can launch 3s.

Griffin’s numbers have been dismal this season, but he’s become a 3-point shooting big in recent years, only he’s historically been a better scorer and passer than Crowder too. His high-flying days are over, but just imagine the playmaking and basketball I.Q. of a lineup that includes Griffin, Goran Dragic, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. A change of scenery — particularly one involving that revered “Heat Culture” — could be exactly what the doctor ordered for both parties. If this former star wants a late-career renaissance, South Beach might be one of the best spots for him.