Daily Knicks
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New York Knicks: Realistic trade targets for star-chasing front office

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana.(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons

Let’s get this out of the way: If the New York Knicks were to trade for Blake Griffin, they’d have a serious injury risk on the roster. Griffin missed 48 games in 2019-20 due to a knee injury, and has an extensive history of being sidelined due to various ailments.

Now 31 years of age, it may not be worth trading for a player with a hefty 2021-22 player option included in his contract.

Just don’t walk away before you evaluate your options.

Griffin is a five-time All-NBA honoree and six-time All-Star whose résumé is only limited by the aforementioned injuries. When healthy, he’s one of the best players in the Association, blending a powerful frame and compelling athleticism with a truly complete offensive skill set.

Griffin can shoot from all over the court, may have the best handle of any big man in the NBA, and has made seven separate postseason appearances.

In his most recent relatively healthy season, 2018-19, Griffin willed the Detroit Pistons to a postseason appearance. He averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, and even shot 36.2 percent from beyond the three-point line.

Signing Amar’e Stoudemire opened the door for the Knicks to make future moves for healthier stars, and bringing Griffin aboard could potentially do the same. Stars must be reminded of what Madison Square Garden is like when New York is relevant.

This isn’t to say that the Knicks should trade for Griffin, but it’s within the realm of possibility—and likely wouldn’t cost as much as it once would’ve.