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

2. Boston Celtics

Since that 8-3 start, the Boston Celtics have gone 7-11. They’re barely over .500 now, and in perfect I Think You Should Leave fashion, general manager Danny Ainge even conceded he doesn’t think this team is currently built to contend for a championship. The Celtics are looking for answers, and none appears to be forthcoming.

In that light, if that record-breaking trade exception turns to dust like most of Ainge’s other trade assets, Griffin represents the kind of last-ditch effort to pad Boston’s depth for a playoff run, and it would make perfect sense in the event of a Pistons buyout.

Best-case, he’d provide the Celtics with yet another threat on the offensive end who can score, move the ball, knock down 3s and make life easier for everyone on the floor around him. Worst-case, he’d look completely washed and nothing would really change. If Griffin is bought out, he should be on Ainge’s radar no matter what becomes of that $28.5 million trade exception.