NBA News: Blake Griffin To Be Traded To Lakers Or Knicks; Kings Willing To Release Rudy Gay For 'Right Deal'
Los Angeles Clippers superstar big man Blake Griffin may be headed for their sister team the Lakers or the New York Knicks before the February 18th trade deadline.
In a report by Danny Cox for the Inquisitr, Griffin's possible departure from the team that drafted him first overall in 2009 stems from his recent squabble with one of the team's staff members and equipment manager Matias Testi.
The two men ended up in a quarrel at a Toronto restaurant last January 23rd, where further reports claim that Griffin ended up punching Testi. Statements from the team management and Griffin himself have since been released, but no specific actions or punishment have been taken so far.
Griffin also suffered a spiral fracture on the fourth metacarpal in his right hand, where he is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The report adds that there is the possibility of Griffin landing a spot in the Lakers because head coach Byron Scott "needs more veterans" to help out younger players such as D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle.
As for the Knicks, Cox cited a report by Gerald Bourguet for Fansided, citing how Griffin would be a good fit for the team, particularly with rookie Kristaps Porzingis.
"Griffin isn't signed on for as long as Anthony, but he and Kristaps Porzingis would form a tantalizing duo to build around for the future," an excerpt of Bourguet's report reads.
For the 2015-2016 NBA season, Griffin has played in 30 games so far and has averaged 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 0.6 blocks, through 34.9 minutes of playing time per game.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings could let go of small forward Rudy Gay but it is still dependent on the negotiation terms. In a report by Marc Stein for ESPN, the Kings management is looking for a "quality young player" to replace Gay, if they do end up releasing him.
The Kings signed the 29-year-old Gay in 2013. The report adds that he will be earning $13.3 million next season, and a player option of $14.3 million for the 2017-2018 season.