Blake Griffin Talks Pistons Trade from Clippers: 'This Is Where I Want to Be'

Blake Griffin was traded less than a full season into a five-year contract, but he doesn't regret not adding a no-trade clause to his deal.

He explained the situation during a press conference Wednesday, via NBATV:

"

“I want to play for an organization that wants me to play there.”@blakegriffin32 says he doesn’t regret not signing a no-trade contract.
(H/T @FOXSportsDet) pic.twitter.com/yDNi0nfkEp

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 31, 2018"

He noted a no-trade clause was discussed during contract negotiations but didn't want to be stuck with a place that doesn't want him.

"This is where I want to be," Griffin said. "I mean, this is a place that wants me, and that's the type of organization I want to play for."

Griffin also said he was "shocked" about the deal but is "very, very excited" to join the franchise.

The 28-year-old had spent his entire NBA career with the Clippers after being the first overall pick in 2009, winning the Rookie of the Year while earning five All-Star appearances. While he had an opportunity to leave in free agency last summer, he signed a long-term deal, even after Chris Paul left for the Houston Rockets.

Still, the Clippers decided to trade him after a 25-24 start.

Griffin is keeping an upbeat attitude, though, looking at it as being wanted by a new team rather than another getting rid of him. LeBron James provided a look at the other perspective.

"He signed a multiyear deal there this summer, so that's unfortunate," the Cavaliers star told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. "But that's the business side of it. ... When a player gets traded, it's [the team] was doing what's best for the franchise. But when a player decides to leave, it's, 'He's not loyal. He's a snake. He's not committed.'"

Considering Carmelo Anthony needed nearly two years of convincing to waive his no-trade clause with the New York Knicks, the Clippers and Pistons are likely happy Griffin didn't have as much power in this situation.