Blake Griffin would “love” to play alongside Chris Paul next season – NBA Update
Los Angeles Clippers sensation Blake Griffin has given a big thumbs up to the franchise’s pursuit of New Orleans Hornets super star Chris Paul.
The star power forward said he would love to have an opportunity to play on the same team as the accomplished point guard but was also careful enough to back the current Clippers roster if the deal doesn’t come through.
"Obviously we'd love to have him," the Clippers' third-year forward said. "But if it doesn't work out, everybody on this team knows that we're ready to roll with this team.”
The Clippers have been engaged in on and off talks with the NBA owned New Orleans Hornets over a move for the coveted playmaker. The Clips had seemingly secured a deal earlier but the NBA intervened to raise the stakes.
According to latest reports, the league is insisting that Clippers part with 4 players, including centre Chris Kaman, Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and exciting guard Eric Gordon, as well as a 2012 unprotected first round draft pick
that originally belonged to Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Clippers have found these demands too steep for a player that will be available in the free agency next summer, and the talks have therefore stalled. There is reportedly some back channel discussion going on to try and find
a compromise, which has given Blake renewed hope of having Paul by his side when the season starts.
The Clippers have a very talented young team that did well last season without making the playoffs. They have strengthened this offseason already with the inclusion of highly rated veterans Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups. Coupled
with the always improving youngsters at the club, Blake has confidence in his team to do well regardless of Chris Paul’s arrival.
"I love our team right now and I think this team can get it done. But this free-agency period, or whatever you want to call it, has been crazy, and it seems like every day something new is happening." He said.
Clippers General Manager Neil Olshey echoed those sentiments. The executive has been working hard since the lockout ended to bring quality players into the fold, and is now confident that the Los Angeles outfit has a credible enough
roster to cause a lot of problems to the strongest of sides in the NBA.
"We think we've got a product on the floor right now that's giving a lot of people in the Western Conference pause," Olshey said. "We're as big and as deep as any team in the league right now. We think we're a threat already."
If a deal is finally agreed for Paul between the Clippers and the Hornets, it could well make the Clippers a contender for the NBA World Championship next season.
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