Report: Clippers committed to re-signing Blake Griffin
Disaster awaits the Los Angeles Clippers at the inevitable conclusion of yet another bumpy playoff ride, but they're not hitting reset just yet.
The Clippers remain committed to re-signing free-agent forward Blake Griffin to a long-term deal this summer, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
"Griffin is still a significant part of the Clippers' future and management remains committed to signing him to a long-term deal this summer, league sources tell me," Wojnarowski said in a recent video essay.
"In a lot of ways, Griffin has been most loyal to the Clippers brand. He has never had wanderlust, never floated ideas about leaving town."
Injuries have derailed Griffin and the Clippers in recent seasons. Griffin will miss the remainder of these playoffs with a toe injury, this after missing parts of last year's failed push with a torn calf. A history of heartbreak looms large over a pivotal decision to re-sign the 28-year-old.
But on the other hand, Griffin is the major reason for the Clippers' turnaround. The first overall pick revitalized a defunct Clippers franchise by skyrocketing into superstardom. His star power attracted Chris Paul and Doc Rivers to Los Angeles, thus forming what should have been a championship-caliber team.
Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season while shooting 49.3 percent from the field.