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OKC Thunder: 3 Trades to Acquire Blake Griffin

By Austin Denean

December 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Christmas at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Christmas at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan talks with Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during overtime at Madison Square Garden. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 128-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan talks with Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during overtime at Madison Square Garden. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 128-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade Option 1

This is the ultimate win-now move for the Thunder, as they would be taking a large gamble by dealing away some young talent.

OKC would add another top of the line talent to their starting lineup, which would add another dynamic piece to their excellent offense. Griffin has the ability to score the ball and is excellent at creating looks for his teammates, averaging five assists per game this year before going down with injury.

Adding Blake to the mix would prevent defenses from zeroing in on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in crunch time, and provide a release valve for the offense when either player is struggling.

The loss of Ibaka’s range will impact the flow of the Thunder’s offense, but having three of the 10 best players in the world is never a bad situation to be in.

In exchange for Griffin, the Clippers would receive a perfect stretch-4 for the pace and space lineup they have been using in Griffin’s absence with Ibaka. Between his offensive contributions and shot-blocking ability, he would be able to make an immediate impact for the Clippers. At age 26, Ibaka has a long time left in the league to improve his game and make an impact for a championship contender.

With Mitch McGary, the Clippers would get a player who has shown flashes of greatness in his limited playing time in the NBA. McGary is in a tough situation in Oklahoma, since he is stuck behind the rotation of Steven Adams, Nick Collison, Enes Kanter and Ibaka. But if he were moved to a team like the Clippers, he would be able to receive more playing time and Lob City would have another piece to build around.

To sweeten the deal and to make the salaries work, OKC could add Cameron Payne to the deal. Payne took over the backup point guard spot for the Thunder before suffering a concussion Wednesday night, and has done a great job. He has shot the ball well, especially from deep where he posts a 41.3 percentage. The Clippers will need someone to take over the point guard duties when Paul retires or leaves the team, and Payne would be an excellent candidate for the position.

The Thunder would be giving up a lot to receive Griffin, but superstar players don’t come cheap.

Next: Trade Option 2

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