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What is next for Blake Griffin? An in-depth look at his future in Detroit

By Jacob Warfle

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Luke Kennard and Bruce Brown. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Option 1: Trade Blake Griffin

Griffin’s contract may seem immovable, but crazier things have happened. Griffin is owed $36.6 million in 2020-21 and then has a player option of $38.98 million in 2021-22, one that he would likely opt into.

Teams are not lining up at the door to take on this large contract, especially for a player that is such a big injury risk. Although, many thought the same about Drummond and Detroit was able to strike a deal with Cleveland to unload him.

To find a suitor for Griffin, the Pistons would likely have include some package of assets and future draft picks. This would be a tough pill to swallow for fans in Motor City as it is never fun to unload assets while losing the face of the franchise.

Hot. Grizzlies rebuild could be a blueprint for the Pistons. light

If the Pistons were able to trade him this offseason, the immediate future of the Pistons looks bleak, but that isn’t a bad thing. Derrick Rose could be traded as well, likely for future assets or draft capital.

Although it was recently reported, the Pistons told the Lakers that Rose was unavailable at the trade deadline, so Rose could be a part of future plans in Detroit. Next season would be all about developing young talent such as Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown, Sekou Doumbouya, and Christian Wood.

Not to mention, whoever is selected with the pick this upcoming draft.

This option fully embraces the rebuild, something Pistons fans have been clamoring about for years. It would be unlikely to see Detroit in the playoffs for at least a couple of years. However, if done correctly, the front office could hit on draft picks and create a young core a la the Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, or New Orleans Pelicans.

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