The Detroit Pistons would have had to attach a first round pick in order to trade away Blake Griffin, sources tell James Edwards III of The Athletic. 

The Pistons instead decided to reach a buyout agreement with Griffin and he has subsequently signed with the Brooklyn Nets.

Troy Weaver was asked about the buyout decision and whether it was inevitable, or if they searched for a trade initially.

"We definitely wanted to exhaust everything," Weaver said. "We looked to the trade market, as well, to see if we could facilitate something to get him in a situation or destination that he would like, as well as make it a good situation for us. We didn’t automatically think or assume that it would be a buyout. We just landed there. It’s worked out for all parties."