When it comes to free agency many, including the Los Angeles Lakers, are more focused on 2018 when the likes of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George will be available. The 2017 class has a few major players as well, and one of the best is Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin.
Though he has struggled with injuries, Griffin has been an excellent player when on the court, but the Clippers have struggled to get over the hump, never making it past the second round of the playoffs.
Now there seems to be a possibility of the Clippers breaking up as Griffin will opt-out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:
Sources: Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin has opted out of his contract to become a free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 23, 2017
Griffin, of course, could always re-sign, but according to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo! Sports, Griffin has grown frustrated with teammate Chris Paul and the Clippers organization:
Was told last month – per a source close w/Blake+brother Taylor, Blake wants no part of CP3 and grown increasingly frustrated w/organization https://t.co/ShIdINqFXe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 23, 2017
Of course all rumors and reports should be taken with a grain of salt, but if Griffin is indeed intent on moving on, the Clippers would be taking a big step back. Making things tougher for the Clippers is that both Chris Paul and JJ Redick are also free agents this summer.
Griffin’s talent is undeniable as long as he can stay on the court and teams will undoubtedly be trying to bring him in on a maximum contract. The Boston Celtics are among the teams known to be interested in his services.
Last year he averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, but played in only 61 games due to injury.