Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin (Photo : Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could find themselves becoming the top team in the league, with Beantown rumored to acquire Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook in a blockbuster trade scenario that could change the landscape of the NBA.
Forming a super-team is becoming a trend in the league, with notable players joining powerhouse teams for a better chance of winning an NBA championship. The Celtics, despite signing star center Al Horford to a four-year $113 million deal, are still far to be considered as legit title contenders, but they are one or two stars away from being one.
With the market out of top free agents available, the Celtics can only hope to land another top player by exploring the trade market. Two game-changers Boston may attempt to pry out from their respective teams are Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook, who both have been in the heat of trade talks this offseason.
Brendan Jackson of the Celtics Hub proposed a wild three-way blockbuster trade deal that involves the Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and OKC Thunder.
Keith Smith of Real GM claimed the Celtics are still interested in trading for Griffin, exploring a three-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings' Rudy Gay and Celtics wing Jae Crowder.
Hearing some rumors here in Las Vegas that BOS is talking Blake Griffin again. And this time it could be a 3 way with SAC getting R. Gay.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 11, 2016
To clarify my earlier tweet: BOS would get Griffin, LAC would get Gay and SAC would get Crowder. Other pieces also involved. — Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 11, 2016
But Jackson has his own version of a potential trade the Celtics could consider.
In Jackson's scenario, which was approved by ESPN's trade machine, the Celtics acquire Griffin and Paul Pierce from the Clippers, and land Westbrook from the Thunder. On the other side of the deal, the Clippers get Amir Johnson, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart from the Celtics, while the Thunder absorb the contracts of Isaiah Thomas, Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk.
The Celtics get not only one, but two proven stars they could team-up with Horford, forming a very formidable team in the league that could challenge the Golden State Warriors' super-team or any Lebron James-led squad.
Bringing Griffin would create a scary frontcourt duo, which can be maximized by Westbrook running the point. Pierce, who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008, should also be a great addition as a locker room presence.
On the other hand, the Thunder get pieces essential for their rebuild, while the Clippers acquire key players that could flourish under Doc Rivers' helm.
While it remains a pipedream getting Griffin and Westbrook to play for the Celtics next season, acquiring either of the two stars seems realistic, with Boston having the assets to give on a potential deal. Surely, the Clippers and Thunder won't give their stars easily, but they may budge at the right price.
