Clippers free agency: Chris Paul, Blake Griffin opt out of contracts
By Keith Rivas
The latest Clippers free agency news is about Chris Paul and Blake Griffin opting out of their deals.
As expected, the Clippers free agency nightmare took it’s first step during the week of the draft.
After just one pick in the draft, the Clippers will have their hands full in free agency.
Both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have reportedly opted out of their deals. This gives them a chance to test the market and explore opportunities outside of Los Angeles.
Obviously, some of the blame has to go to the dysfunction that the team has experienced in the last few seasons. Not being able to win in the playoffs with a strong core and failing to even reach the conference finals are frustrating.
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Now there will be potential suitors for both stars. Some teams include Denver, San Antonio, and Boston, among others.
It’s hard to say at this point which of the two guys is more likely to leave. However, if the Clippers had to pick, chances are they’d want Paul more. Griffin’s proneness to injury at the worst of times leaves him as the odd man out.
Los Angeles drafted Sindarius Thornwell this summer out of South Carolina. He could develop into a special talent, but deciding to take him shows the Clippers aren’t wasting time or chances.
They wouldn’t have much time to recover from Paul or Griffin leaving. Without Paul, the team won’t have a leader that they’ll need to compete and contend.
This comes at a hard time for the franchise as well because the Lakers are looking to get back to center stage. If the Lakers are somehow able to get back in the playoffs and contend before the Clippers take advantage of their window, it’ll be a huge disappointment.
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But we can’t blame Griffin or Paul for wanting to leave.