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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 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Spencer Hawes (00) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Spencer Hawes (00) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade Option 2

In this trade, both teams would receive players who are able to step in and contribute right away and in the future.

Kanter has played limited minutes this season after signing a max-level deal in the offseason, and has performed very well off the bench. In just over 20 minutes per game, he has put up 11.8 points and grabbed 7.6 rebounds on 55.4 percent shooting.

Kanter would be able to step in and make immediate contributions for the Clippers, and is under contract for the next three and a half years. Rather than blowing the team up and rebuilding, the Clippers would be able to remain competitive while re-tooling their roster.

McGary would still be able to receive extended playing time, and could develop into a starting-caliber player while learning from Jordan and Kanter. This move would benefit McGary and L.A. over the next few seasons, and is a relatively safe gamble to make.

D.J. Augustin has shown his ability to step up and play a high level of basketball throughout his career, especially on offense. Before being dealt to the Thunder last season, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career and leading the Detroit Pistons in one of their best stretch of games at that time. He provides insurance in the case of an injury, and at worst, is an expiring contract at the end of the year.

The Thunder would also have to throw in some draft picks in order to acquire Griffin, since this group of players wouldn’t be enough to sway the Clippers from dealing their All-Star power forward.

Next: Trade Option 3

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