Blake Griffin ready for ‘next chapter’ with Pistons

Auburn Hills — The news that the Pistons acquired Blake Griffin struck quickly and without much notice on Monday. It’s a blockbuster move for the Pistons, who are scuffling to try to make the Eastern Conference playoffs, in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.

Griffin, 28, signed a five-year max contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason and looked to be their franchise centerpiece — until Monday.

Griffin posted his immediate reaction on Twitter on Monday evening, an ambiguous image of Will Smith from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” with a surprised expression:

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Trades generally are surprises to players and for Griffin, who had spent all seven-plus years of his career with the Clippers, it was no different.

He added some comments, thanking his fans and the city of Los Angeles:

“Needed a night to digest and reflect on what happened… From being a #1 pick, to Lob City, to six straight Playoff appearances, I am so proud to have been part of the success of the Clippers organization,” Griffin wrote Tuesday morning on Twitter.

“LA has been my home since I started in the league and I will be forever grateful to the city for embracing me and supporting. To the fans, you have been awesome every step of the way. Thank you for your years of support.

“Now I’m ready for the next chapter, getting to work and helping the Detroit Pistons make a run in the Eastern Conference.”

Griffin had not arrived in Detroit as of Tuesday afternoon, and it’s unlikely he’ll play in the matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

rod.beard@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/detnewsRodBeard