The NBA trade deadline is heating up, but more rumors are surfacing regarding the upcoming offseason rather than the dealing point in a few weeks. Teams that do not make the playoffs or do not get past the early rounds will be looking to tear down their current rosters and rebuild for the future. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers are both in the same boat and could be eyeing a blockbuster trade as a result.
The Thunder and Clippers are both facing uncertainties. Oklahoma City is hoping to perform well in the postseason or they risk losing Kevin Durant in free agency. While Oklahoma City cannot be ruled out as a contender to keep Durant after his contract expires, the star will be looking to head to a contending team for the chance to win a title.
The Clippers are fighting to stay in contention in the Western Conference, but a slip up could see a shakeup of the roster mainly with Blake Griffin. After the incident where the forward broke his hand punching a staff employee, Griffin has been on thin ice with the organization. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the NBA is currently investigating the incident involving Griffin which could impact the forward's future with the Clippers. As result, trade rumors have been circling Griffin and the Clippers could act on them.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Clippers could attempt to negotiate a sign-and-trade involving Griffin and Durant this summer. Wojnarowski writes that a California team is expected to be in contention to get Durant. While some thought that would be the Lakers, the Clippers are better equipped to win in a shorter amount of time. Sources report that Doc Rivers is willing to be patient with Griffin and wait till the summer to act on a move involving a trade. With Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan on the roster, the Clippers are not a band landing spot for Durant if the Thunder agree to a trade.
There could be a lot of movement in the upcoming offseason. Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Al Horford have all been names tossed around at the trade deadline, but they are expected to stay put considering their value to their respective teams. However, all three big men are expected to be available this offseason. Howard and Gasol can opt out of their current contracts while Horford's deal expires. There is no telling where everyone goes considering their teams have all stated their desire to re-sign the stars. Griffin and Durant will not be the only ones headlining the offseason.
