OKC Thunder: Pros and cons trading for hometown hero Blake Griffin

Cons of the OKC Thunder trading for Blake Griffin

The most notable con in the quest for bringing Blake Griffin back to the promised land would be the mere fact that his contract is massive. Griffin is set to make 35 million this year and would not reach the free-agent market until the end of the 2021-22 season, where he will be poised to make around 50 million over the next two years.

This contract seems unconscionable when comparing it to what the OKC Thunder would have to give up to take on BG’s deal. An Al Horford trade would be likely, and one could argue he has taken on the role of “father figure” quite well with this young OKC core.

Horford is averaging 14.6 points on 45 percent shooting in just 22 games this year. Not to mention the seven rebounds and four assists to go along with his superb 3-point shooting, where he is shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc.

Griffin is averaging 12 points a game, shooting 36 percent from the field, while just converting on 31 percent of his attempts from downtown.

It could be said if the OKC Thunder are indeed trying to tank, then maybe it would make logical sense to bring Blake into the mix. This club will undoubtedly lose more games with him in the lineup as opposed to keeping Al Horford.

Another issue is the locker room presence or lack thereof.

Griffin’s locker room presence does not mirror what big Al does for this team, nor would it ever.

Horford is a consummate professional and has a pulse on this squad. He has never had any issues with a teammate, been in the news, or provoked trouble off the basketball court. Blake Griffin has had his fair share of off-the-court problems as well as bringing unwanted attention to a franchise, which is not the “Sam Presti way.”