Written by ESPN News Service at ESPN.com
Blake Griffin is ready for the next chapter of his basketball career.
On Tuesday, the All-Star forward tweeted out a statement to thank the LA Clippers’ fans and the city of Los Angeles after he was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) January 30, 2018
The 28-year-old Griffin had been the face of the Clippers, and in July he agreed to a $171 million, five-year deal, ending a brief flirtation with free agency. The deal didn’t include a no-trade clause.
While a free agent in the 2017 offseason, Griffin met with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, coach Doc Rivers and several players at Staples Center in a celebration of his career. At the end of the two-hour fete, Griffin rose and spoke, telling teammates, his coach and the owner, “I want my legacy to be a Clipper.”
In Detroit, where the Cavaliers will play the Pistons on Tuesday night, LeBron James lamented that trades like Griffin’s are considered part of the business, while players who explore free agency are blamed for being disloyal.
“When a player gets traded, it’s, ‘They was doing what’s best for the franchise.’ But when a player decides to leave, it’s, ‘He’s not loyal. He’s a snake. He’s not committed.’ It’s just, that’s the narrative of how it goes. So I’m definitely [aware],” he said. “I know that firsthand.”
Griffin will not play Tuesday night, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said.
Griffin will wear jersey No. 23 with the Pistons, making the switch to the same number he wore in college at Oklahoma. His previous jersey number, 32, is not available in Detroit because the Pistons had retired it in honor of Richard Hamilton.
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