Reflecting on his career, former Los Angeles Clippers star Blake Griffin recently shared his thoughts on being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2018.
Griffin, who spent eight seasons with the Clippers, was traded along with Willie Reed and Brice Johnson in exchange for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and a future first-round pick.
“People always ask me, ‘That must have been awful,’ but honestly, it was a very defining moment for me and my career,” Griffin said in an interview. “I was playing as hard as I can, trying to take that team to the playoffs. It was a proud moment for me.”
Blake Griffin on being traded from the Clippers to Detroit Pistons:
“My first true free agency where I had a decision, I chose to go back to the Clippers. Six months later I was in Detroit… It was a very defining moment for me and my career. To be away from that and show people… pic.twitter.com/0spKl9grew
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 9, 2025
Griffin’s time with the Clippers was marked by numerous highlights, including six All-Star appearances and five All-NBA selections. However, injuries and the team’s inability to advance deep into the playoffs led to a change in direction for the franchise. The trade to the Pistons was a fresh start for Griffin, who saw it as an opportunity to lead a team and prove his resilience.
“I was determined to show that I could still compete at a high level and help a team succeed,” Griffin continued. “Playing for Detroit was a challenge, but it was also a chance to grow and show my dedication to the game.”
Despite the challenges, Griffin’s tenure with the Pistons was a testament to his perseverance and commitment to his craft. He averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game during his time with the team.
Reflecting on his journey, Griffin emphasized the importance of staying focused and giving his all, regardless of the circumstances.
“Every moment in my career has been a learning experience, and being traded to Detroit was no different. It taught me to keep pushing and never give up on my goals.”
While Griffin’s time with the Clippers was filled with individual success, there were moments that left him feeling undervalued and unsupported by the organization. Griffin’s injuries, particularly his staph infection in 2015, were handled in ways that made him question the team’s commitment to his well-being. The infection required surgery and sidelined him for a significant period, impacting the team’s performance.
Additionally, Griffin’s relationship with the Clippers’ management became strained over time. The team’s decision to trade him, despite his contributions and loyalty, was a clear indication that the organization was moving in a different direction. Griffin felt that the Clippers did not treat him fairly, especially considering his dedication and the sacrifices he made for the team, as well as the promises he received from the franchise before signing an extension. Despite these challenges, Griffin remained professional and focused on his game.
As Griffin continues his post-playing career, including his recent signing with Amazon to join their NBA studio show, his legacy as a player and leader remains strong.
