Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin will be out of the lineup moving forward as the franchise and his representatives work to find a resolution on his future, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
This is the same route the Cleveland Cavaliers are taking with Andre Drummond.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver and Griffin both gave statements to Woj on the situation:
“After extensive conversation with Blake's representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Weaver told ESPN on Monday. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”
In a statement, Griffin told ESPN: “I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward.”
The Pistons are trying to find a possible trade for the 31-year-old Blake Griffin, but his poor play and bloated contract will make that complicated. A contract buyout could eventually be an option. The big man is owed $36.8 million this season and has a player option worth nearly $39 million in 2021-22.
Griffin isn't long removed from an All-NBA campaign in 2018-19, but he struggled with injuries last season and looks like a shell of his former self in 2020-21. The 31-year-old is averaging just 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting a woeful 36.5% overall and 31.5% on 3-pointers in 31.3 minutes per game.
Detroit is in rebuild mode under Weaver, so the franchise is looking to give more opportunities to younger players. Jerami Grant has come into his own as the new leading scorer at 23.0 points per game. The Pistons are just 8-19 on the season, but they have pulled off a number of surprising victories over top teams.
While Blake Griffin's days as a star are certainly over, perhaps he could still be a contributor in a smaller role on a contending team. Detroit will scour the market for a trade, though contenders would surely prefer to wait for a buyout and then get a chance to scoop him up for cheap.
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