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Former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin’s tenure with the Pistons appears to be headed for an abrupt end. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed on Monday that the two sides are working to go their separate ways ahead of next month’s trade deadline. Griffin’s dwindling production and high salary could lead to a complicated, but possible, buyout.
If Griffin hits the buyout market, the Trail Blazers should be at the top of the list of potential contenders. Returning to Griffin would fit a model that president of basketball operations Neil Olshey has embraced in recent years. Seriously, aside from hitting second-round talents and fighting against himself when re-signing role players, chasing old goals in the frontcourt has become Olshey’s signature move.
Olshey used this tactic not once, but twice during the 2019 offseason. When the Blazers acquired Hassan Whiteside in a four-team trade ahead of the 2019-20 season, Olshey made a point of emphasizing his previous interest in the imposing center.
“The acquisition of Hassan is a decision that impacts our roster,” Olshey said. “He’s a sniping blocker, rebounder, and a paint presence at both ends of the floor. We have pursued Hassan through multiple avenues at different points in his career and are delighted to add him to our organization.
Weeks later, Olshey returned to the same line of thinking after Pau Gasol signed a one-year contract with the Blazers.
“We are clearly delighted to add Pau to our roster, a player with league experience for a team with high expectations for the coming season,” said Neil Olshey, president of basketball operations for Trail Blazers. “As you all know, he’s a player we pursued aggressively a few years ago in free agency. We’re excited to see him join the Trail Blazers and become a focal point on our list going forward.
The most prominent instance of this approach is tied to the current Blazers center Enes Kanter. Recapitulating Portland’s earlier interest in Kanter was among the first remarks Olshey made after the former Knicks pivot signed with the Blazers midway through the 2018-19 season.
Griffin’s pursuit of the buyout market would be one of Olshey’s biggest career callbacks. Their relationship spans over a decade – all the way back to their common time with the Clippers. Olshey was assistant general manager of the Clippers when Griffin was selected with the No.1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Soon after Griffin arrived in Los Angeles, Olshey was tasked with putting together the rosters that surrounded the former Oklahoma star.
It’s clear Griffin is entering a new, less mobile era in his NBA career. But his name recognition and past relationship with Olshey should make him an obvious target for the Blazers if he enters the buyout market. For Griffin, the goodwill the Blazers have built with Carmelo Anthony could serve as the starting point for a shared interest. Also, I doubt any feelings of resentment will remain from this contest in 2017.
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