NBA trade rumors 2016: Clippers attempted to ship Blake Griffin to Nuggets?

Blake GriffinReuters

Former All-Star forward Blake Griffin could have been given a new jersey by now had the Los Angeles Clippers' reported attempt to trade him to the Denver Nuggets pushed through. 

Aside from names like the Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard, Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love, Detroit Pistons' Brandon Jennings, and the Atlanta Hawks' Jeff Teague and Al Horford, Griffin is one to be in the trade rumor mill recently. 

This started following a fight with a member of the Clippers staff which led to Griffin earning an extended period of time on the sidelines after throwing two punches leading to a hand injury. 

The incident dragged Griffin into the rumor mill in a snap and teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are calling the Clippers inquiring about his availability. 

Now, ESPN's Chris Broussard said on SportsCenter that the Clippers actually tried to deal away Griffin to the Nuggets. 

According to Broussard, the Clippers offered Griffin with forward Lance Stephenson for Denver forwards Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Will Barton, and center Nikola Jokic. 

However, the Nuggets, despite being one of the teams to ask about Griffin earlier in the trade period, rejected the proposed switch. 

It could have been a blockbuster deal since Griffin is one of the biggest stars in the NBA today. 

Broussard added that he confirmed the move to Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who denied the news and stated that they are not letting go of the 26-year-old forward.

Trade rumors are rampant with the Feb. 18 trade deadline fast approaching and unfortunately, Griffin is not exempted from such, especially with the recent issue he was involved in. 

Anything can happen in the NBA and even a player like Griffin who averages 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and five assists per game for a Western Conference contender could easily be swapped.