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Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin strikes out in free agency recruitment

By Brendan Triola

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the bench between teammates Zaza Pachulia #27 and Ish Smith #14 after fouling out against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bucks defeated the Pistons in four straight games, 127-104. 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)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons sits on the bench between teammates Zaza Pachulia #27 and Ish Smith #14 after fouling out against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bucks defeated the Pistons in four straight games, 127-104. 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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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 29: Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks with Chris Paul #3, Blake Griffin #32, and Jared Dudley #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 29, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 29: Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks with Chris Paul #3, Blake Griffin #32, and Jared Dudley #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 29, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jared Dudley

Jared Dudley, the veteran forward, also received interest from the Detroit Pistons according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

Dudley played alongside Blake Griffin in 2013, when he played in Los Angeles for the Clippers. Going back to the Staples Center, Dudley agreed to a contract to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.

On Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast, Dudley discussed his free agency decisions, and what made him choose the Lakers over other teams.

"“There was not a team that stood out, besides Brooklyn and the Lakers, that was something I wanted to be a part of. I’ve made my money. I’ve had success when it comes to mentoring young teams, but I haven’t had that run where before the season started it’s a championship contender.”"

Despite the need at forward and potential fit for a veteran like Dudley in the Pistons lineup, he ultimately decided he wanted to play for a contender rather than a team stuck in the middle like Detroit. Even if Griffin contacted his former teammate about teaming up once again, Dudley’s free agency plans were already made up in his mind.

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