NBA Rumors: Pistons Need To Take Second Look At Blake Griffin Investment

The Detroit Pistons had high hopes on Blake Griffin, the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year who has failed to get anything going. Detroit acquired the top pick of the 2009 NBA Draft back in 2018, together with his ridiculous five-year $173 million deal.

Injuries have prevented the six-time NBA All-Star from getting his career off the ground. This 2019-20 season, the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk champion has averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, per Basketball-Reference. While not totally bad, they are a far cry from his career numbers of 21.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He has played in only 18 games owing to hamstring and knee issues at the start of the season.

With a 12-23 record over in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons may need to re-evaluate their future. Should it include Griffin? If not, could he be among the players on the block before Feb. 6?

According to James Edwards III of The Athletic, the trade value of Griffin may not work in their favor. The high-flying forward's trade value may be low at this point and his current deal is a big reason why. Worse, the Pistons may need to add some assets to consummate a trade. In all, Detroit would have to unload a lot to rid themselves of Griffin.

It appears Griffin's case is not far from that of Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. As mentioned in a previous post, this is what other teams are wary of. And while Love has been playing decently, Griffin's spate of injuries make him of less interest to other teams.

Griffin's contract runs until the 2021-22 NBA season. He has three years remaining on his current pact and is owed roughly $128 million more. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022.

The Pistons stand to lose big if they decide to trade Griffin. It would stall their rebuilding efforts especially if a future pick is included in the package. For Detroit, it would be a long road back to rebuild the team. And unless they start finding answers, it may be the best and economical recourse to get back on the winning track.