Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics NBA Trade Rumors: Blake Griffin to Boston Trade 'Extremely Unlikely'
The Boston Celtics have been linked with Jimmy Butler and Paul George for weeks now, but recent reports have revealed that they also reached out to another team to see if they can acquire an elite player who can help them win in the Eastern Conference.
According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Celtics have had sporadic talks with the Los Angeles Clippers about forward Blake Griffin in the weeks leading to the trade deadline. However, he said a trade was "extremely unlikely" right now.
"Griffin will be a free agent this summer, and Boston would probably need official permission to talk to him about his future — a concession Minnesota allowed Cleveland before the Kevin Love trade. The Clips would ask for a bounty, starting with Jae Crowder and one of the Avery Bradley/Marcus Smart duo, plus picks, per league sources," Lowe stated on his report.
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This could have been huge. A trade might be unlikely, but Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports correctly pointed out that the Clippers could always change their minds if they get an offer they couldn't refuse. DeMarcus Cousins even got traded after the Sacramento Kings repeatedly said he's staying. Until the trade window closes on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, a trade is always possible.
Griffin has been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end since his rookie season and the Celtics could give Al Horford the perfect frontcourt partner if they could get a deal done. However, it should be noted that Griffin has been a little injury-prone lately.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Celtics can still make a huge move. But they don't really have to acquire Griffin, Butler or George to compete in the Eastern Conference. They are already one of the top teams with their current roster, so they don't have to make a "win-now" trade unless it makes sense for them moving forward.
