NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Ideas For Tobias Harris And Orlando Magic
By Josh Eberley
Why do the Clippers do this?
This is a big move. This is the type of deadline deal that shakes the league. Previously not even the boldest threw the name Griffin in the trade machine, but like Harris, Griffin may be on shaky ground with his franchise.
The Clippers have talked to the Nuggets about trading Blake Griffin to Denver, per NBA sources.
— Mitch Lawrence (@Mitch_Lawrence) February 5, 2016
You can say the Clippers have no interest in moving the stellar big man but they didn’t have to answer that phone. Trading Griffin is less about him throwing hands in his spare time and more about the fact that the Clippers have not found success with the current core. Harris gives the Clippers options, they can play small ball with him at the four, or run him at the three and start Gordon. Gordon is developing into a real player, he was the fourth overall pick in 2014 for a reason. Gordon can shoot the ball, is an A+ athlete, and would give the Clippers a great pairing with DeAndre Jordan or an immediate boost off the bench.
Why do the Magic do this?
The Magic may not be thrilled to deal the pair, the development of Gordon is likely part of why Harris now sits in unfamiliar territory. However, this is Blake Griffin we’re talking about. They haven’t had an offensive talent of Griffin’s stature since the Diesel departed Disney World. Griffin is an elite player, few can claim his combination of size, strength, speed, and playmaking. If you’re the Magic you have to at least consider blowing it open for Blake.
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