Blake Griffin is ready for the next chapter of his basketball career.
On Tuesday the All-Star forward tweeted out a statement to thank the Clippers' fans and the city of Los Angeles after being traded to the Detroit Pistons.
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) January 30, 2018
The 28-year-old Griffin had been the face of the Clippers, and last July he agreed to a $171 million, five-year deal, ending a brief flirtation with free agency. The deal didn't include a no-trade clause.
While as a free agent in the 2017 offseason, Griffin met with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, coach Doc Rivers and several players at Staples Center in a celebration of his career. At the end of the two-hour fete, Griffin rose and spoke, telling teammates, his coach and the owner, "I want my legacy to be a Clipper."
Griffin is averaging 22.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 33 games this season, but the Clippers have been plagued by injuries and are ninth in the Western Conference standings.
In the deal the Clippers receive Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, and a first- and second-round draft pick. The Clippers are also sending Brice Johnson and Willie Reed to Detroit alongside Griffin.
Detroit is scuffling as well. The Pistons have lost eight straight heading into Tuesday night's game against Cleveland. The addition of Griffin gives Detroit's frontcourt another standout alongside Andre Drummond, but it also represents a clear change in course from the roster the Pistons had assembled. Detroit acquired Bradley in a trade with Boston last offseason, but he's in the final season of his contract. Harris has been impressive for the Pistons this season, shooting a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range.
The Clippers drafted Griffin first overall out of Oklahoma in 2009. However, he missed the 2009-10 season after surgery on his broken left kneecap, the first of several injuries that have marred his career.
Griffin missed 21 games last season and 47 in 2015-16 because of injuries.
As a rookie, he was an All-Star, won the slam dunk contest and was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
He has averaged 21.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his career.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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