The Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers recently made it official that All-star power forward Blake Griffin will be traded from the Clippers to the Pistons. Other players involved in the deal are ex-Pistons Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, and Boban Marjanovic.
While Griffin has popped out in recent trade rumors, many fans and media outlets did not anticipate the Pistons to be the team to land the former Rookie of the Year. Griffin was recently tied to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade rumor involving another former Rookie of the Year, Karl Anthony-Towns.
The Clippers traded Griffin along with center Willie Reed and prospect Brice Johnson. In return, the Clippers get combo forward Harris, defensive ace Bradley, center Marjanovic, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick.
Griffin's trade to the Pistons may mark the Clippers' start for a rebuild. The organization is reportedly seeking out a trade for combo guard Lou Williams and All-star center DeAndre Jordan.
As for the Pistons, there are rumors pointing out that Stan Van Gundy, head coach and President of basketball operations, is on the hot seat after the Pistons fell out of the playoff race.
The Pistons started out the season hot, being atop of the Eastern Conference standings with their 14.6 record. Many analysts also mentioned that the Pistons were not a fluke, especially after wins in Golden State against the Warriors and wins against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, the Pistons have since lost 20 out of their last 28 games despite minimal injuries. While starting point guard Reggie Jackson has had injury problems, Bradley, Harris, and Pistons star Andre Drummond have been healthy during that stretch.
With Bradley slated to become a free agent, and with Harris not meeting the All-star expectations that many had in the Pistons' 14-6 start, Van Gundy traded them for an established star that can please not only the fans but also Pistons owner Tom Gores, especially after the Pistons moved to a new arena which is Little Caesars.
There are still rumors that both the Pistons and Clippers are still not yet done dealing their players. The Pistons are in emergency mode after stumbling out of the playoff race, while the Clippers are officially rebuilding.
