Oklahoma Thunder Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant Eyed To Be Traded For Blake Griffin?
A deal involving a possible trade between franchise players Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin is reported to be in the works.
According to NBA Insider Ken Berger for CBS Sports, the Clippers may decide to let go of their superstar big man if they experience another disappointing season.
The team management had previously declared that they are not willing to let go of Griffin, despite the 26-year-old player's recent altercation with team equipment manager Matias Testi, which resulted to him breaking his right hand and eventually sidelined for a possible four to six-week period.
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The report also noted that since the Clippers signed Chris Paul in 2011 and Doc Rivers in 2013, they have yet to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
"Owner Steve Ballmer has gone deep into the luxury tax again this season, and there's a belief among rival teams that falling short in the playoffs again could lead to a major roster shakeup this summer," an excerpt of Berger's report reads.
The Clippers currently hold the number four spot at the Western Conference standings with a record of 35-17. They are situated behind Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder, who in turn, hold a record of 39-14.
Durant, on the other hand, has been rumored to be a man of interest for four different teams, namely, the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Washington Wizards (which happens to be his home state), and most recently, the defending champions Golden State Warriors.
Berger noted that the possibility of the deal happening between both teams would be big if they once again fail in their championship aspirations.
Both Durant and Griffin have not played for any other teams since they were drafted in 2007 and 2009, respectively. For the current season, Durant is averaging 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, through 36.1 minutes of playing time per game.
Griffin, on the other hand, is averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks, through 34.9 minutes of playing time per game.
