Blake Griffin NBA Career Overview
Blake Griffin is a retired professional basketball player who played as a power forward and center in the NBA. He was selected first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers and became one of the league's most prominent forwards during his prime years. His career included multiple All-Star selections and Rookie of the Year honors, with a playing style defined by athleticism, rebounding, and inside scoring as reported by Forbes.
Griffin's NBA journey spanned several franchises and reflected shifts in team strategy, salary cap management, and player valuation. His contracts and trades involved significant financial commitments, making his career relevant to sports finance and team-building decisions per SEC filings and disclosures. The following sections detail the specific teams he has played for and key career milestones.
Teams Blake Griffin Has Played For
Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers after being drafted first overall in 2009. He played for the Clippers from 2009 to 2017, becoming the face of the franchise and earning six All-Star selections. During his tenure, he averaged over 20 points per game in multiple seasons and led the team to several playoff appearances according to official Clippers records.
His time with the Clippers included high-value contract extensions and significant media attention, which influenced the team's brand value and ticket revenue. Griffin's departure in 2017 marked a transition in the franchise's direction and salary structure as analyzed by Forbes. The Clippers leveraged his presence to boost merchandise sales and national television appearances during his prime years.
Detroit Pistons
Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2017 as part of a blockbuster deal involving multiple players and draft picks. He played for the Pistons from 2017 to 2018, contributing as a veteran presence and secondary scorer. His time in Detroit was brief but financially notable due to the salary implications of the trade and subsequent buyout per Pistons official reports.
After being bought out by the Pistons, Griffin became a free agent, which allowed him to sign with a new team without adding salary cap burden to Detroit. This move demonstrated how NBA teams manage roster flexibility and financial planning around veteran contracts. The Pistons focused on rebuilding younger talent while Griffin sought a new opportunity to contribute to a contender.
Brooklyn Nets
Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018, joining a team focused on immediate competitiveness. He played for the Nets during the 2018-2019 season, providing depth and veteran leadership off the bench. His stint with Brooklyn was short, as he was later traded to the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade arrangement