Rivers says Griffin isn't on block, blames bloggers for rumors
Doc Rivers says people need to get any notion that Blake Griffin isn't long for the Los Angeles Clippers out of their heads. Trade rumors regarding the high-flying big man have circulated for months now, but Rivers points out there hasn't actually been any substance to them.
"First off, no teams are calling right now, because teams know we have no interest," the Clippers' president and coach told The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"It just shows you the different times," he said. "Everyone believes that they're media now. There's so many good credible (reporters), and then there's some of the guys who are bloggers who have nothing to do with the sport."
Rivers was specifically referring to a persistent suggestion that Griffin could be on his way to the Boston Celtics. Rivers says he has indeed spoken with his former boss, Celts president Danny Ainge - just not about basketball.
"Danny and I have talked twice this summer," he said. "One time was about the British Open, and one was about another golf tournament."
Innuendo regarding Griffin's future with the Clippers intensified last winter, after he was sidelined with a broken hand suffered when punching a team equipment manager. That individual, Matias Testi, is reportedly no longer with the organization.
"We are hoping that Blake ends his career playing for the Clippers," Rivers added. "Period."
The issue of Griffin's free agency next summer - both he and teammate Chris Paul have early termination options on their contracts - is also driving the narrative. Yet Rivers has rejected the notion the team consider moving on from the core that has led them to an average of 56 wins a season over the last four campaigns, but has never been past the second round of the playoffs.
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He expects both to be back with the Clippers in 2017-18.
"I'm confident," Rivers said. "I do think we have an attractive place. It'd be interesting if Steve Ballmer wasn't the owner, I don't know how confident I'd be, but with Steve I'm extremely confident that we can keep both."