Report: Griffin would consider Lakers, Celtics in free agency

The fate of the current core of the Los Angeles Clippers could ride on how the team fares this upcoming postseason, with several of the team's biggest stars eligible to walk in free agency.

Blake Griffin is among those names, and should he be open to a fresh start elsewhere, league insiders believe both the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics would be potential destinations for the 28-year-old forward, according to Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding.

Griffin hopes to remain in Los Angeles, though, whether that means re-signing with the Clippers or joining the resident Lakers, as his interests in the world of entertainment make staying in the city a top priority, according to Ding.

The Clippers can offer Griffin a full five-year max contract and more money than any other team as a result of owning his bird rights, allowing them to exceed the cap. He's earning a touch over $20 million this season with a player option of $21.3 million in 2017-18, which he's certainly going to turn down to cash in on a larger deal.

Both the Lakers and Celtics would need to do some financial maneuvering to create the necessary space to even come close to giving Griffin the max, including renouncing several free agents of their own.

Boston reportedly discussed potentially acquiring Griffin ahead of the Feb. 23 trade deadline, although it was considered "extremely unlikely" that the two sides would come to terms on a package at the time.

The five-time All-Star missed a stretch of 18 games from Dec. 20 to Jan. 23 after undergoing minor surgery on his knee.

He's averaging 21.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and five assists on 48.2 percent shooting in 52 appearances this season for the 43-30 Clippers, who sit fifth in the Western Conference and 1.5 games back of the Utah Jazz for the fourth seed.