Before the season, Blake Griffin’s camp was reportedly adamant he’d re-sign with the Clippers this summer. But it always going to depend how the year went, even if Griffin entered the season with that intention.
Where does he stand now, having missed several weeks due to knee surgery while watching the Clippers sink in the standings?
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:
The Clippers will still give Griffin more to consider, and this season’s results could create an impression. Would another early playoff exit send Griffin into free agency with an unexpectedly bitter taste in his mouth?
But if Griffin is this certain now, I doubt the postseason result swings his opinion.
No matter how the Clippers fare this season, Los Angeles still offers things – endorsements and proximity to show business – Griffin can’t get elsewhere. The Clippers are also reportedly willing to spend whatever it takes to re-sign Chris Paul. If Paul and Griffin return, the Clippers should keep winning, especially if J.J. Redick also re-signs.
Griffin re-signing, considering their improved relationship and on-court chemistry, only increases the odds of Paul re-signing. But Paul has been far more mum on his intentions.
It’s too soon to fully count Griffin as back, but the Clippers can probably turn their attention to convincing Paul to re-sign. As with Griffin, the best thing the Clippers can do is win and send the stars into free agency on a high note.
