Blake Griffin agrees to contract buyout with Pistons; Are Nets front-runner?
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons have come to an agreement to buy out the veteran's contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.
There are multiple contenders expected to be in the running for the six-time All-Star forward, per ESPN, and the 31-year-old will make his decision following conversations with those interested suitors. He will clear waivers on Sunday at 5 p.m.
With Griffin being placed on waivers, The Athletic has reported that Griffin gave up $13.3 million of the $75 million still owed to him.
Sources: Blake Griffin gave back $13.3 million in his buyout with the Pistons. He had $75M on his deal for this season and 2021-22. The six-time All-Star will clear waivers on Sunday and the Brooklyn Nets are the leaders to sign him.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2021
According to New York Times writer Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers (would have to make a trade to clear out money), Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors have expressed interest in Griffin. Wojnarowski added the Portland Trail Blazers to the list as well.
While there are a number of contenders that have interest in the veteran forward, according to The Athletic, it appears that Griffin could be headed to Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Nets are believed to be leaders to sign six-time All-Star Blake Griffin, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII. Rival teams with interest are expecting Griffin to choose Nets as a title favorite for chance to win a championship.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2021
If getting the most money matters to Blake right now, the most each team can offer:
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) March 5, 2021
Lakers: veteran minimum worth $810k today
Clippers: Bi-Annual exception worth $3.4M today IF they reduce salary via trade first
Nets: $5.7M DPE
Heat: $4.7M DPE
Warriors: $9.3M DPE https://t.co/6HbA5hIse0
Griffin averaged a career-low in points with the Pistons this season, registering 12.3 per game to go along with his 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists a night.