Detroit Pistons: Ranking trade assets heading into the offseason

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 29: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons are introduced before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena on November 29, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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4. Blake Griffin

This would have been different a couple of weeks ago but the reports about Blake Griffin and his health have vaulted him back up this list. As Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons discussed earlier this week on Lowe’s podcast, the market for Griffin is starting to buzz.

Going from a player the team would have to attach assets just to get off of to one who is drawing interest from teams looking to contend is astounding given Griffin’s health issues this season. His production the season before, when he made the All-Star team, has to make mouths water for general managers looking to poach him for the right price.

Two seasons ago, he averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 36.2 percent on 7.0 3-point shots per game. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, who are looking at upgrades with Andrew Wiggins as a salary matcher, could take the risk on Griffin being their third-best player.

The risk is still real for Griffin, who was limited to just 18 games this season and will be nearly 32 years old when the season resumes (if it resumes as projected). Griffin is on the books for $36.6 million next season and has a player option for $38.9 million the following year. While that is a gargantuan sum, a two-year bet on a potential All-NBA player makes a lot of sense for a team hoping to push for a title.

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