The Los Angeles Clippers have shipped Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson in a move aimed at freeing up a starting spot for Blake Griffin. LA made the move for two reasons: The overall number one pick has to start, and Griffin will help put a few more butts in the seats.

Quentin Richardson’s contract is up at the end of the season, and now that Z-Bo’s $33 mil is gone the Clips could be players in the 2010 free agent sweepstakes. At the same time, these are the Clippers we’re talking about. They’ll have this screwed up Christmas.

Clippers to trade Randolph for Quentin Richardson [Los Angeles Times]