Responding to the rampant rumors that the Los Angeles Clippers have been looking to trade Blake Griffin, head coach Doc Rivers definitively shot them all down with one short statement on Tuesday.
Doc Rivers said "We're not trading Blake."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 16, 2016
Griffin, who is out with a broken hand after punching equipment manager Matias Testi, also addressed the media Tuesday to apologize to fans for his actions.
Griffin, voice shaking, apologized to LAC fans. Said he regrets decisions he made that night and he's spoken to Matias Testi multiple times
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 16, 2016
It seems like the Clippers are ready to move on from the entire ordeal, which includes putting to rest any notion that Griffin isn’t part of the team’s future plans.
Before breaking his hand, Griffin was averaging 23.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The Clippers have been absolutely torching teams since his departure from the lineup, which only served to spur the trade rumors. That said, there can be no doubt the franchise is better off long term with Griffin than without him.
Los Angeles is currently No. 4 in the Western Conference, 13.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors. Barring any crazy happenings the final couple of months, the Clippers will likely be hosting a playoff series in the first round of the playoffs.