The three teams currently leading the NBA Western Conference namely the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Clippers are rumored to be involved in a massive trade deal involving some of their key players. Speculated to be traded are the Clippers' Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, the Warriors' Stephen Curry, and the Spurs' Pau Gasol.
The Warriors (15-2) currently hold the top post in the West, while the Spurs (14-3) and the Clippers (14-4) are not too far behind ranking second and third respectively. The latest NBA trade rumor suggests that the Clippers are trying to adjust their lineup and trade off a couple of players.
Surprisingly, it involves two of their most successful power forward and the point guard, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. Griffin especially has been linked to several trade rumors since his five-year $95 million contract extension expires next year.
A previous report by iTech Post stated that Curry could be traded to the Clippers in exchange for nine-time NBA All-Star, Chris Paul once the former's contract with the Warriors expires. If the trade comes to being, Curry is expected to have more room to shoot the three with DeAndre Jordan and Griffin on the inside.
On the other hand, the Warriors are looking to correct their defensive play, and are looking to acquire Paul, who averages 8.6 assists in the current season. This trade scenario is highly unlikely, but the Clippers and the Warriors could consider it soon given that both players will be free agents after the 2016-17 NBA season.
Subsequently, Griffin will become an unrestricted free agent soon, and it is speculated that veteran power forward, Pau Gasol of the Spurs will be filling the void left by Griffin for the Clippers. This rumor surfaced after reports of Griffin's option to terminate his contract with the Clippers in 2017 emerged.
Blake Griffin added to his poster dunk collection last night https://t.co/YRELBNOvLY
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 20, 2016
According to Headlines & Global News, the move would benefit Griffin given the Spurs winning tradition under veteran coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich has led the Spurs to 19 consecutive post-season appearances and has won five NBA titles in six NBA Championships.
