Clippers Rumors: Best new homes for Blake Griffin after CP3 trade
By Jason Reed
2. Phoenix Suns
Jeremy Cluff of AZCentral Sports brought up the interesting proposition of Blake Griffin heading to the Phoenix Suns. While it may seem far-fetched on paper, when diving deeper into it, this would make a lot of sense not only for the Suns but for the Clippers as well.
This would certainly have to be a sign and deal situation for the Clippers and the Suns. Mimicking what Chris Paul did, Griffin could agree to opt into his player option for next season, effectively allowing the Clippers to deal him for only one year of his service.
The perfect trade for both sides would be a deal sending Jared Dudley, Dragan Bender, and the Suns 2018 first round pick. This allows the Suns to dump Jared Dudley’s salary while giving the Clippers something to get excited about in Dragan Bender.
Bender did not do much last season for the Suns, but the sky is the limit for the fourth overall selection. This deal would allow Bender to grow in Los Angeles, also surrounding him with a young core.
Plus, this deal would give the Clippers their third first round pick next season. If they deal Griffin they likely would be a lottery team themselves, giving them a chance to land in the early and mid first round alongside the Rockets pick.