Pistons pumped by Griffin acquisition
DETROIT - The Detroit Pistons shook up their struggling roster in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, acquiring star forward Blake Griffin in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Pistons announced the deal shortly after midnight.
Detroit sent forward Tobias Harris, guard Avery Bradley and center Boban Marjanovic to Los Angeles, with the Clippers also receiving draft picks.
Detroit also acquired forward Brice Johnson and center Willie Reed in the deal.
"We are serious about winning, and this is a major move to improve our team," Pistons owner Tom Gores said.
"Blake Griffin is one of the NBA's elite players, and when you get an opportunity to add that kind of talent, you take it."
Griffin is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 33 games this season, but the Clippers have been plagued by injuries and are ninth in the Western Conference standings.
Detroit is struggling as well, losing eight straight heading into Tuesday night's game against Cleveland.
The 28-year-old Griffin has been the face of the Clippers, and last July he agreed to a five-year, $171 million deal, ending a brief flirtation with free agency.
He told his teammates, coach Doc Rivers and owner Steve Ballmer: "I want my legacy to be a Clipper."
The deal didn't include a no-trade clause.
The addition of Griffin gives Detroit's frontcourt another standout alongside Andre Drummond, but it also represents a clear change in course from the roster the Pistons had assembled.
Detroit acquired Bradley in a trade with Boston last offseason, but he's in the final season of his contract. Harris has been impressive for the Pistons this season, shooting a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range.
"The move is not without risk. We gave up a lot to get him, including Tobias Harris - one of the hardest-working, highest-character players I know - and two high-quality young men in Avery Bradley and Boban Marjanovic," Gores said.
"But we are very excited to bring Blake Griffin to Detroit. He is a great fit for our team and will bring a combination of toughness and athleticism that will elevate our team and excite our fans."
