Blake Griffin (Photo : Harry How | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue as more details continue to emerge about how the Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly discussed Blake Griffin with other teams.
There are the usual suspects with superstars that have seemingly similar value: Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Love, New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony and even the Oklahoma City Thunder for Kevin Durant.
There were also rumors about the Boston Celtics, who would always creep up every time a star allegedly becomes available.
Thus, it would be surprising to hear that the Clippers actually had discussions with a team like the Philadelphia 76ers. However, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio, that's exactly what happened.
Both Sixers and Nuggets have had discussions with Clippers about Blake Griffin, per league sources. @sn_nba earlier reported Nuggets talks.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 5, 2016
Despite their dismal record, the Philadelphia 76ers does have real assets that the LA Clippers would covet although there is no doubt that they are not on the level of Blake Griffin. What's more, their assets are at the center position, and that is not a current need for the Clippers with DeAndre Jordan signing a fresh five-year contract in the controversial story last summer.
This is what drove CSN Philly to make the discussion.
The obvious question is: What would make a Griffin trade to the Sixers worth the Clippers' while? It might take something like Okafor, Saric and the Lakers' top-3 protected first-round pick.
Would that be enough? The Clippers won't trade Griffin unless they're blown away. If it's not a meaningful return, they'd just hold onto him, hope for the best and try to re-sign him.
There would definitely one of either Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel involved in the trade as Joel Embiid does not have any trade value until he plays an actual game.
As DeAndre Jordan is already a defensive center, the probable center in return is Okafor. Liberty Ballers, a Sixers site, did admit that the talks were not conclusive and it might not be nothing more than the Sixers brass composed of GM Sam Hinkie and Jerry Colangelo exercising their "due diligence."
Still, if Griffin was really made available, it's not impossible for them to look at the Sixers assets as they have young, talented players and multiple draft picks.
