Chris Paul Trade: Three reasons the Clippers got the better deal
By Keith Rivas
It gives clarity and confidence in dealing with Blake Griffin
If Chris Paul was able to be negotiated in terms of return value, they can definitely try swinging for Blake Griffin. Rumor has it that the Thunder and Celtics are interested in the big man, but they’d much rather get something in return if they can.
Another part of the Chris Paul deal is that the Clippers will receive forward Sam Dekker. Obviously, Dekker doesn’t bring the kind of game-changing stats that Griffin does (when healthy, anyway). But that doesn’t mean that they can’t work around him.
SB Nation’s Lucas Hann outlined the two scenarios LA can go from in a tweet.
If the Clippers re-sign Griffin, they run the risk of being at the mercy of his health. Should they make another run to the playoffs, having him go down for a third time in the post-season would be an unwelcome sight.
That being said, they could also trade Griffin like they did with Paul. Have him opt into a deal and then receive some assets from whoever Team B ends up being.
Both scenarios leave an uncertain season ahead for the team, but both are up for consideration.