As has been discussed by many, the new CBA will make it extremely difficult for teams to acquire superstars via free agency or trade. Simply put, the financial incentive for signing extensions with your current team is massive. That option isn’t available for those whose contracts run out at the end of this year however, and the cream of the crop for this year’s free agency class is Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin.
Though he has struggled with injuries, Griffin remains one of the NBA’s premier superstars and top frontcourt players.
Unfortunately for anyone hoping to pry Griffin away from the Clippers, it seems like a long shot as Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler reports that Griffin isn’t ‘remotely interested’ in changing teams:
“Sources close to Griffin said recently that he is not remotely interested in changing teams and they expect the deal process to go very smoothly and quickly this summer.”
This isn’t too much of a surprise as the Clippers obviously want to keep Griffin and the two sides have been on a long journey together. Even with his injuries, Griffin is someone that a team would do anything to make sure he doesn’t walk away for nothing. His career averages hover around 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists and his highlight dunks make fans come to the arena to see him every night.
The funny thing for the Clippers is that the other top free agent in the class is their point guard Chris Paul. His future with them is up in the air as even though no one questions his talent, his age and injury history could make him obtainable for another team.
The Lakers could potentially be players in free agency this summer so any they are likely to kick the tires on any potential players who could be added to the roster.