The Griffin Effect: The Future Remains Unseen

With the resumption of the NBA’s season set for late July and the Detroit Pistons season officially adjourned, Griffin’s impact looms a vast query that seeps into next season and beyond.

It remains to be unseen what version of Blake Griffin the Detroit Pistons will welcome whenever NBA action resumes.

"“I feel great. I’ve basically been cleared for a while now, I’ve just been stuck at my house,” Griffin said in a sit-down with Sage Steele on “The Encore”. “I’m ready to go whenever things pick back up.”"

A 31-year-old and the former 2009 number one overall draft pick, Griffin is at least under contract for the 2020-21 season. He’ll be owed over $36.5 million next season, and has a $38.9 million player option for the following season.

In addition, he’s rebounding from a second knee surgery in a matter of less than a year. Undergoing the procedure in January, Griffin has bounced back rather expeditiously.

With all things considered, it’s a secured statement to say that Griffin will undoubtedly be in blue and red when the 2020-21 season tips off. However, what remains vulnerable is the level of play he’ll return to and if he’ll be dealt before next year’s trade deadline.

After the finishing touches were stamped on last season, it left Pistons fans optimistic about the following year, with a potential playoff series victory. It never really came to fruition as the Pistons were wounded early, and swallowed the semi-truck-sized rebuilding pill after freighting away all-star center Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The return on investment wasn’t anything to “ooh” and “aah” over, but Cleveland was essentially receiving a rental Drummond as he will ultimately test free agent waters at the seasons finale.

The Pistons, who welcomed two rentals in return in John Henson, Brandon Knight and a 2022 second round pick, also added space in their wallets to give them ample financial flexibility in future years to come.

If Griffin bounces back to his 2018-19 self, Senior Adviser Ed Stefanski should seriously consider administering a deal similar to the Drummond package.

The six-time all star advertised his best statistical season in 2018-19, averaging over 24 points per game, shooting at a 46 percent clip. Contenders all around the NBA would be salivating over such ability, even with the hefty price tag.

Dealing Griffin in the offseason could diminish his value, for he hasn’t possessed concrete evidence he’ll be back to an all-star caliber player. Therefore, practicing patience with the situation will surfeit benefits for the organization.

Not only will Griffin guide a young core for at least half of the season, he’ll most likely land with a legitimate contender if dealt. Even if the right offer isn’t presented, retaining Blake will furthermore increase the experience to guide a young core to success.

But, if a deal is done before next seasons trade deadline, the Pistons have a sure fire chance at landing a top player in the loaded 2021 free agent class. This class includes names like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, Victor Oladipo, DeMar DeRozan, CJ McCollum and many, many more.

Accordingly, a deal involving Griffin could portray to the NBA that the Pistons have an intriguing opportunity with a young team for any players considering a fresh start. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report dove into course-changing trades of every team.

His three team trade involved the Pacers, Pistons and Sixers and resulted in Detroit receiving Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb. The Sixers receive Griffin and the Pacers get Al Horford and a 2020 first round pick from Detroit.

An intriguing trade, the Pistons get a 24-year-old who lead the league in blocks in Turner. Despite their main focus in being to sign Christian Wood this offseason, Turner would create two towers in the front court.

Adding Lamb would add depth and a boost in shooting in the backcourt, to go along with Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown, Svi Mykhaliuk and Derrick Rose.

More from PistonPowered

• Which Detroit Pistons could save Team USA in the Olympics?
• Detroit Pistons could have major roster churn after 2023-24 season
• The best Detroit Pistons to wear each uniform number
• Full Detroit Pistons NBA 2K24 ratings
• Detroit Pistons: Who will sign the remaining NBA free agents?

Turner, who’s contract will expire after the 2022-23 season, earns a feasible $18 million per season. This would still give the Pistons flexibility for future free agents and if Turner can improve this next season, it would solidify the center position for the near future.

The only downfall is giving away their coveted first round pick to a division rival. This could make the Pistons thin at point guard, and stretching for one in free agency or the second round of the draft.

Preston Ellis, also from Bleacher Report, drew up a trade that involved the New York Knicks. The Pistons would receive Julius Randle for Blake Griffin and free up $18 million in additional cap space.

Although this wouldn’t give Griffin a chance to compete for a championship, it would give the Knicks their lust for a star in the Garden.

Randle is no fluke either, averaging over 19 points per game, 9.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists respectively. A potential Randle, Wood duo in the front court would be menacing and open the floor, as both are more than capable three point shooters.

These two potential deals could ultimately give Detroit another rebuilding tool in receiving youth and breathing room to catapult them into a bright future.

When healthy, Griffin will make any team better with his experience, competitiveness, leadership and talent. Undoubtedly he’s been warmly welcomed and cherished with the Pistons, and would continue to provide utmost success in Detroit.

If anything, the front office should remain open minded moving forward into next season with their nine-time all star. Rebuilding isn’t the adrenaline drop of a roller-coaster, it’s the angst of the climb to the peak.