NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

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December 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers and injured forward Blake Griffin may be in the middle of a falling out. Griffin, who has been out since Dec. 26 with a partially torn left quadriceps tendon, will miss an additional 4-6 weeks following a Jan. 23 incident with a team manager. Griffin will be suspended four games without pay by the Clippers as a result of the incident, according to ESPN.com.

The Clippers have continually backed Griffin, despite the incident. But they don’t exactly miss him on the court. The Clippers are 18-5 since Griffin’s injury and are fourth in the Western Conference. Despite his teammates’ backing, Griffin could be involved in a blockbuster type trade.

Remember Cleveland earlier? If the Cavs decide to move Kevin Love, the Clippers could be a potential suitor for a Griffin-Love swap. The Clippers would benefit from another perimeter shooter and a top rebounding threat. The Cavs would be getting more of a two-way player that excels in the pick-and-roll game, which is what the Cavs have been known to do with a slower pace.

The package the Clippers could get for Griffin from other teams could allow them to address other needs, such as the small forward position. The Celtics could be in on the Griffin sweepstakes, and the Magic have also reached out to the Clippers, according to Basketball Insider’s Steve Kyler.

You can add the Magic to the list of teams trying to get the Clippers to engage on a trade... they are swinging for the fences
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) February 9, 2016

With Victor Oladipo having inconsistent roles and inconsistent play with the Magic, it may be best for them to center a package around him for Griffin. That would be great for the Clippers in a long-term scenario, since they could likely add other young pieces from the Magic.

Regardless of what the Clippers decide to do, it may not impact them and could make them stronger. With their string of success without Griffin, it could make it an easier decision to deal him. But the Clippers need to make sure they are getting equal value or more in a deal for Griffin. If they don’t deal him, they will need to look to add to the small forward position, if they can work a deal.

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