NEWS:The Celtics expressed interest in Blake Griffin-Kevin O'Connor

Blake griffin

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul could be playing their final seasons as Los Angeles Clippers in 2016-17. Both have early termination options that could make them free agents this coming summer. And if the Clips fall short of the Western Conference Finals for a sixth straight season, the temptation to start over could be strong.

Enter Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics, who always seem to be players in trade and free-agency talks.

"The Celtics also expressed interest in Blake Griffin this summer," Kevin O'Connor wrote in a profile on Ainge for The Ringer. "So it’s conceivable they’d have interest when he hits free agency."

That connection makes sense. The Celtics are good, deep and well-coached. But with apologies to Isaiah Thomas and AlHorford, they don't have a legitimate superstar to drive them into the title picture.

A potential frontcourt pairing of Horford and Griffin might be the most skilled in the league. Each has the vision andplaymaking ability of a wing or guard. And either can play inside or out in high-low sets.

That kind of versatility, in concert with Griffin's explosive scoring ability, would make the Celtics a real threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Eastern Conference supremacy.