NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Hint at Blake Griffin Trade Negotiation; DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul Target Huge Payout For Swap

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets
Dec 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 107 to 97.  Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat entered the NBA season with a bit of hesitation especially after the loss of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh from their roster. With young stars Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside leading the Justise Winslow squad, the Pat Riley roster badly needs a boost from veteran stars. While the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to dominate the Western Conference playoffs, it appears that this could be the last year for Blake Griffin to play with DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul.

One of the most widespread discussions is the possibility of a Blake Griffin trade. Although the Los Angeles Clippers are giving the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors a run for their money this season, this could be the last time fans see Doc Rivers' Big Three donning the same uniform. Rumors are rife that the front office are seriously considering breaking up the trio if they fail to once again bring home the NBA championship trophy this season.

Among the potential moves looked into by the Los Angeles Clippers is the Blake Griffin trade. The big man, who had been virtually absent the entire season last year, is one of the biggest trading chips of the DeAndre Jordan team. Despite his injuries and bad press, the first round pick of the Chris Paul team remains as an attractive asset.

"That sense of urgency is there, and I think it's a combination of a lot of things," admitted Chris Paul. He added, "But we have matured a lot as a team, and I think we realize what's the most important thing - which is winning. Winning it all."

Speculations point to the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers as interested parties on a Blake Griffin trade. However, it looks like the Miami Heat are the most serious contenders in this negotiation. After losing to the Kevin Durant free agency bid and seeing the exit of Dwyane Wade to the Chicago Bulls, the Hassan Whiteside team is looking for a superstar to help them improve their standing. With the money Pat Riley saved from failing to retain Dwyane Wade and losing the Kevin Durant contract, the Miami Heat are anticipated to be in a comfortable position to offer a luxurious deal to the 27-year-old star.

At this point though, no comment has been given by any of the parties involved. However, fans of the Miami Heat are eager to see if a Blake Griffin trade could be made possible by Pat Riley. With the exit of their former Big Three, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, the Hassan Whiteside team badly needs an NBA All-Star to boost their performance and confidence.

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