Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin has an opportunity for a fresh start. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Griffin and the Detroit Pistons agreed to a contract buyout on Thursday, paving the way for the 31-year-old veteran to become a free agent.
The two sides decided to go their separate ways last month after the team decided to focus on developing their younger players. At the time, general manager Troy Weaver said Griffin won’t suit up for the Pistons and that the team is looking for a trade partner.
Griffin’s huge contract, which pays him $36.6 million this season and $39 million next season, made the trade impossible, so Detroit opted for the buyout route. It is believed that Griffin agreed to leave some money on the table in order to make this happen.
Blake Griffin has already become a hot commodity on the free-agent market, with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets interested in his services. The Nets are currently the favorites as Griffin reportedly believes they give him the best chance to win an NBA title.
Griffin joined the Detroit Pistons in 2018 in a blockbuster trade from the LA Clippers. During his time in Detroit, Griffin delivered one All-Star campaign but failed to make an expected impact as he often struggled with injuries.
In the 20 games he played in 2020-21, Griffin averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
