Pistons forward Griffin denies he wants out of Detroit

Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin is having an excellent season in the Motor City, averaging 26.3 points per game with 8.1 rebounds per night.

With the Pistons sitting at in the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference at 21-28 and likely not going anywhere this season, there's been rumblings that Griffin might be a prime candidate for a trade as the deadline nears.

That's not the case according to Griffin, who via the Detroit News says he's content with the Pistons at the moment and does not want to be moved.

“Myself or my agent or my people haven’t said anything. I heard that (rumor) buzzing around a little bit, but you have to consider the source on some of those things,” Griffin said. “I am happy here and, of course, I’m frustrated. You should be frustrated — if you’re not frustrated, what are you doing playing basketball?

“Like (owner) Tom (Gores), I still believe in this team and we can turn this around and rattle off a couple wins.”

The big question is, does Gores and the front office feel the same way about the 29-year-old?

He could bring a pretty solid return if the right team comes calling, but Gores gave no indication that he wants to ship Griffin, one of the few marketable players for the Pistons right now, away from the team.

The owner says he understands that the forward could be frustrated, but says he's happy with him and wants to keep him on the roster.

"Blake and I personally have a commitment with each other. He's supported here; I don't think he feels not supported," Gores told the Detroit News.

"I'd be frustrated — I'd want to win. He's having the best season of his life but if you're not winning, who cares? He's a leader, so he's pushing everybody."

Detroit currently trails the Charlotte Hornets by three games for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and it remains to be seen if they can make a push for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.