From EssentiallySports · Shahul Hameed · · 1m
Steve Ballmer's Clippers Shirt Pitch
Steve Ballmer had Clippers staff wear shirts comparing Blake Griffin to MLK, Lincoln and Gandhi before trading him.
In brief
Steve Ballmer had Clippers staff wear shirts comparing Blake Griffin to MLK, Lincoln and Gandhi before trading him. Blake Griffin recalls Steve Ballmer's staff wearing shirts placing him with historical figures before trading him to Detroit. Originally reported by EssentiallySports.
The Shirt Pitch
Steve Ballmer had Clippers staff wear shirts comparing Blake Griffin to historical figures before trading him.
Shirt Design
The shirt labeled 'Pioneers' featured Griffin alongside MLK, Lincoln, Gandhi, Mandela, Obama, Kennedy, Ali, Einstein and Michael Jackson.
Trade Details
The Clippers traded Griffin to Detroit for Willie Reed, Brice Johnson, Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanović, a protected first-round pick and a second-round pick.
Griffin's Reaction
Griffin recalled seeing the shirt but didn't think much of it until it exploded on Twitter.
“So I do have a shirt now. I don’t think I kept it at the time”
Trade Outcome
The trade happened in January 2018 after Griffin signed a five-year $173 million contract in July 2017.
Aftermath
Griffin refused to shake Ballmer's hand after the trade, saying he wasn't obligated to do so.
“Why was I obligated”
In short
Blake Griffin recalls Steve Ballmer's staff wearing shirts placing him with historical figures before trading him to Detroit.
