Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks could consider swapping their All-Star forwards in a win-win scenario for both teams.
The Clippers have received assurance from Griffin that he would sign with the team once he hits free agency in 2017, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. This would ease the Clippers through the upcoming season, not worrying about the future of Griffin in the summer of 2017.
However, without any significant addition, the Clippers still aren't expected to contend for a title this season. With teams like the Warriors and Spurs poised to dominate the West, the Clippers do not have much chance of making deep into the playoffs unless they acquire a talented veteran.
According to Andrew Lynch of Fox Sports, one possible option the Clippers may consider is trading for Paul Millsap in a blockbuster deal that could be a "rare win for both teams."
"The Clippers are one wing away from championship contention with their current lineup. Although moving Griffin is a tough pill to swallow, a trade with the Hawks would put Los Angeles in prime position to challenge the Warriors. Millsap is one of the most underrated players in the game, a big man who can do 90 percent of what Griffin brings to the table," Lynch wrote.
In Lynch's trade scenario, which works on ESPN's trade machine, the Clippers would send Griffin and Brice Johnson to the Hawks for Millsap, Kyle Korver and Minnesota Timberwolves' 2018 first-round pick.
Griffin has played five seasons of solid basketball with Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, but the trio has yet to produce a title for the Clippers. Adding Millsap would change the Clippers' dynamic, but a versatile forward who can score and defend multiple positions, would help in reinstating the Clippers' status as legit title contenders.
Korver would give the Clips another outside threat, while a future round pick in 2018 secures LA's future in case Paul and Griffin bolts out next summer.
On the other hand, the Hawks get another star in Griffin, whom they could pair with Dwight Howard, creating an offense-defense frontcourt tandem. Griffin should fill the hole left by Al Horford, but his athleticism should fit well with the Hawks' up-tempo offense.
The Hawks have committed they won't trade Millsap this season as reported by Kyler. However, if the Hawks' season goes south before the trade deadline, they may reconsider dealing Millsap, especially if a trade involves Griffin.
Likewise, it is difficult to see the Clippers moving Griffin this season. But considering the trade talks involving the 27-year-old forward, it is also possible he becomes available depending on the Clippers' campaign this season.
