Blake Griffin: 5 reasons he should re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers

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Why should Blake Griffin re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in NBA free agency?

Blake Griffin has been one of the faces of the NBA over the past few seasons and has had a very successful career with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, Griffin will have to decide whether he will leave the team that he started his career with.

Looking ahead to the upcoming free agency period, there are a lot of teams who are planning a major run at Griffin. More than likely, the Clippers will be willing to offer Griffin the maximum contract that they can afford. If that is the case, he will have to turn down the same kind of offer that any other team can give him.

Last season with the Clippers, Griffin ended up averaging 21.6 points per game, while also chipping in 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 49.3 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 38 three-pointers as well. Los Angeles was expected to compete in the Western Conference playoffs, but unfortunately, Griffin went down with yet another postseason injury.

All of that being said, what five reasons should entice Griffin to re-sign with the Clippers this offseason?

Blake Griffin

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5. The grass isn't always greener

Many high-profile free agents have left their current team and never gotten back to the level that they were playing at before they left. The saying that "the grass isn't always greener" can be very true in free agency.

If Griffin were to leave the Clippers, there is no guarantee that he would fit as well with another franchise. Doc Rivers has done wonders for Griffin's career and he should think long and hard about that before signing a deal.

Los Angeles may not be where Griffin ends up signing this offseason, but he has a proven track record of success with the Clippers. Throwing that away to chase a new chapter may not be in Griffin's best interest.

Los Angeles Lakers

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4. Nothing like Los Angeles

Blake Griffin has built a brand for himself in Los Angeles and leaving town might be dangerous for that brand. There is a chance that he could find himself just as successful if he signed with a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that is far from a sure thing.

Staying in Los Angeles assures Griffin that he will be playing under the bright lights each and every night. He will have some of the top celebrities in the world watching him play at different times throughout the season.

His well-known interest in the entertainment industry is another reason to remain so close to Hollywood. From an off-the-court standpoint, staying in Los Angeles seems to be the best decision for Griffin.

Blake Griffin

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3. The money doesn't get any better elsewhere

Even if Griffin is looking for money rather than a championship this offseason, the Clippers are still at the top of the list. Los Angeles will be able to throw a five-year, $175 million contract offer his way.

If Griffin were to sign elsewhere, he wouldn't get close to that number. He would have to settle for around $45 million less. That isn't something that many players enjoy doing.

Griffin won't get a better deal anywhere outside of Los Angeles. The Clippers can offer him the money, the familiarity and the star power to compete for a championship. That isn't something that he will be able to pass up on easily.

Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers

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2. Championship contention isn't easy

At this point in time, the Clippers are expected to re-sign Chris Paul fairly quickly when free agency opens up. DeAndre Jordan will remain in town as well, although there are still question marks about J.J. Redick's future in L.A. That being said, Griffin won't find it easy to find a better championship contender elsewhere.

If Griffin were to look elsewhere for contention, there would be only a few landing spots for him. Boston and Miami are two potential destinations that make sense, although he could choose to return home to Oklahoma City to play alongside Russell Westbrook.

However, all of those teams would need to free up considerable cap space to make it happen, and although there are other options, Griffin will find it tough to find a team better than the Clippers to compete for a championship with.

Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA;Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) defends Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Loyalty and legacy

Anyone that watched the fallout from Kevin Durant's decision to leave the Thunder last offseason saw how important loyalty can be. Durant lost fan support from all around the league, not just from his fans in Oklahoma City.

Griffin leaving Los Angeles wouldn't be quite as bad, but loyalty goes a long way. He has endeared himself to Clippers fans already, but showing his loyalty to the franchise would take that even farther.

Not only is loyalty important, but his legacy will rise by remaining loyal to one franchise. Griffin may not choose to stay with the Clippers when free agency opens up, but there are certainly plenty of reasons why he should stay.

Do you think Blake Griffin should re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers? If not, where do you think he should go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!