The Los Angeles Clippers could consider a mini-rebuild that would see the team sending Blake Griffin to the Denver Nuggets for Danilo Gallinari.
The Clippers are bound for another postseason run, but could be facing uncertainty in free agency, with Blake Griffin (player option), Chris Paul (player option) and J.J. Redick (unrestricted free agent) set to hit the market. While the Clippers have insisted they are planning to keep their core intact long-term, the timing and chances may not be on their side.
With the league lowering the 2017-2018 cap from $107 million to $102 million, it would be difficult for the Clippers to retain Paul, who is reportedly seeking a full five-year max in free agency, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. That would not bode well for the Clips keeping Griffin, who is also expected to earn no less than a max contract.
There are no signs the Clippers would look to trade Griffin before the deadline, but it is something Los Angeles should consider to get something in return if the All-Star forward decides to walk away come free agency.
Mason McFee of Sports Illustrated's Fansided explored a trade scenario that would see the Clippers trading Griffin to the Denver Nuggets for Gallinari, giving LA a refined offense that could be more effective for the team's roster setup.
"I just think the Clippers need a new way to play (as evidenced by their early playoff exits the past few years) - and Gallinari is a heck of a way to do it," McFee wrote.
"The point is this - the offense becomes more fast paced, and they still retain Mbah a Moute's gritty defense."
Gallinari is a proven scorer, posting a career average of 15.0 points per game, while shooting 41.5 percent from the field. His numbers isn't identical to Griffin's All-Star outputs, but his more reliable outside shooting may benefit the Clippers more than the latter's offensive game.
On the other hand, the Nuggets would probably entertain such deal, giving them a legit All-Star who can carry the team into the postseason. Griffin's addition would still see the team crowded at the frontcourt, but he would still be a better option than any of the likes of Kenneth Faried, Jufu Nurkic and Nikola Jokic.
It seems unlikely the Clippers would consider moving Griffin, especially if they see themselves as contenders in the West. But it should also be at the back of their minds that a mini-rebuild is looming if one of their stars joins another team in free agency, and another disappointing playoff exit would surely put the Clippers in that situation.
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