Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls aren't done yet in loading up their lineup this offseason. According to latest buzz around the association, the Bulls front office is preparing a deal to get All-Star power forward Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Details of the Trade:
Several sites have already mentioned about a potential deal involving the Bulls and the Clippers. In this deal, the Bulls will reportedly send Gibson and Mirotic to Los Angeles in exchange for Griffin, who has been at the center of trade speculations for the past few weeks.
The deal is supposed to give the Bulls another star alongside Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, launching them back to the upper echelon of Eastern Conference title contenders. The Clippers, on the other hand, will get two above-average big men in exchange for a player who can bolt out next summer.
Analysis of the Deal:
After dealing away Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks, the Bulls seemed set to push the re-start button until they landed All-Star shooting guard Dwyane Wade.
All of a sudden, the Bulls have a legit backcourt with Rajon Rondo playing the point and Wade at the off-guard spot. Jimmy Butler will remain the focal point of offense at the wing position, turning the Bulls a three-headed perimeter beast.
However, their frontline rotation are lacking the firepower they had a season ago when they had Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, who already left the team for greener pastures in San Antonio and New York, respectively. Gibson and Mirotic are outstanding front-players but neither has the potential to turn the Bulls into a legit title contender in the East.
Griffin, who averaged 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds last season, was limited to just 35 games due to injuries, one of which a right hand injury as a result of punching a Clippers equipment staff. Despite the distraction of last season, Griffin remains a coveted name on the trading block, drawing interest from teams like the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and even the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 27-year old Griffin would give the Bulls an offensive option in the interior along with his rebounding. Moreover, the mobile power forward appears to be a perfect fit in Hoiberg's run-and-gun offense.
As for the Clippers, acquiring Gibson and Mirotic is the first step toward reforming a franchise that could lose both Griffin and Chris Paul for nothing next summer. Gibson remains a bruising big man that provides toughness in the interior, while Mirotic gives the floor spacing with his range at the forward spot.
Prediction:
ESPN NBA Trade Machine doesn't approve this deal because the Bulls can't absorb Griffin's $20M contract without giving away another player (earning at least $5M in addition) to Gibson ($8.9M) and Mirotic (5.7M). The Bulls and Clippers are both over the cap and would need a conduit party to hammer this deal.
On the other hand, this deal seems to be a win-win deal for both teams with the Bulls gaining a frontline star and the Clippers getting the pieces moving forward. Unfortunately, I don't see this trade getting explored this offseason.
The Clippers will try to compete in the Western Conference as much as they can. Remember, they were in the thick of last year's battle until both Paul and Griffin suffered injuries in their first round series against the Portland Trail Blazers.
It is likely the Clippers would start exploring deals for Griffin if they feel that they can anymore compete with the Warriors and Spurs midway into the season. If that time comes, expect the Bulls to be one of the teams presenting an offer for the All-Star power forward.
For that, I leave it with 60 percent chance this deal will take place, for the time being at least.
