Report: Detroit Pistons weighing trade and buyout options for Blake Griffin

Scott Rafferty

Report: Detroit Pistons weighing trade and buyout options for Blake Griffin image

Blake Griffin could be on the move ahead of this season's trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Griffin and the Detroit Pistons have agreed that he will be out of the lineup until "the franchise and his representatives work through a resolution on his playing future."

In a statement issued to ESPN, Griffin said, "I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward."

The Pistons acquired Griffin from the LA Clippers in the 2017-18 season. He had one of the best seasons of his career in 2018-19, averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists en route to his sixth All-Star selection and fifth All-NBA selection, but a knee injury that required surgery limited him to 18 games in 2019-20.

Griffin has appeared in 20 games with the rebuilding Pistons this season. In 31.3 minutes, he's averaging 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 36.5 percent shooting from the field.

Griffin is on the books for $36.6 million this season. He has a player option in his contract for $39.0 million in 2021-22.

Wojnarowski added that the Pistons continue to pursue trade scenarios for Griffin and talks on a contract buyout "could eventually come into focus.

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Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.