NBA Rumors: Keeping Blake Griffin Could Get Shaky for the Clippers

By Carlo Monzon
Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin
Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin

The Los Angeles Clippers have been very vocal about their stance to keep Blake Griffin playing for them. However, with the danger of losing him in free agency next offseason, teams such as the Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder could easily swoop in to sign him.

Griffin has been a member of the Clippers organization since 2009, when he was drafted by the team as the league's No. 1 overall pick. Despite being a reliable part of the team, various fumbles, which mainly involves injuries, have led various sources to question Griffin's fate in Los Angeles.

But, as noted by Basketball Insiders, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers constantly says that he enjoys having Griffin on the roster. He also hinted that the team is ready to do what it takes to ensure that Griffin will retire as a member of the Clippers.

One way the Los Angeles organization can ensure this is by keeping him out of free agency, which could happen next year. Back in 2011, he signed a contract extension with the team for five years. This means that the 2016-2017 season would be his last with the Clippers. After that, he will have the option to become an unrestricted free agent.

Of course, the avoid losing him in free agency, the team could offer Griffin another extension next offseason. However, this would entail paying him more, which could also involve releasing some of their key players.

But then again, a year is a long time and the Clippers could change their minds by the time Griffin becomes a free agent. Of this happens, other teams will surely dive in to try and sign him.

By next year, Griffin will be 28 years old, which is still fairly young in the NBA. With a league that seems to favor younger and faster guys over veterans, Griffin, who is still a combination of a fresh and experienced athlete, could capitalize on this by drawing out big offers from other teams.

The Thunder are a possible landing spot for Griffin due to the fact that they currently have enough cap space. But aside from that, they were able to re-sign Russell Westbrook. This could serve as an incentive for Griffin because he'll have someone reliable to play with at OKC.

Other teams that are expected to vie for his signature are the Bulls and Magic. According to Fan Sided, both teams are keen on taking advantage of next year's free agency to get Griffin.

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