LA Clippers: Blake Griffin not thinking about 2017 free agency
The LA Clippers will have to face both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin testing NBA free agency next summer, but Griffin says he hasn’t even thought about it.
The LA Clippers are entering the biggest year in their franchise’s history. Firstly, they have a better chance to come second in the Western Conference and possibly advance to the Conference Finals as the San Antonio Spurs age and suffer a hit to their defense. Secondly, the Clippers have Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick hitting NBA free agency next summer.
Paul and Griffin both have player options but are expected to opt out and test the exploding market, while Redick could easily double his salary as one of the two few shooters in the league and one of the best shooting guards on the market.
As the youngest superstar on the team, though, Griffin is an absolute priority.
He said during an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio this week that he hasn’t thought (or talked to anyone) about his upcoming free agency (h/t HoopsHype):
“Honestly, nothing I even really think about. Haven’t had a conversation with anybody. That includes friends, family, agents, coaches, teammates… It’s not a conversation I have. I got a lot of basketball left to play this year. I got a full season, postseason… So that’s on the back on my mind. I’ll deal with that one when the appropriate time comes, but right now isn’t the time.”
Of course, it’s a fairly standard response for a player, especially for a star who’s content in their current situation and knows their value to the team. Griffin won’t want to panic Doc Rivers, the front office, or the fans as the Clippers enter a desperate pursuit of a championship.
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That being said, if Griffin hasn’t been thinking about free agency as he insisted during that interview and hasn’t even spoken about it, that only bodes well for the Clippers. It’s hard to see he’s unhappy in this situation, from a contention and lifestyle standpoint.
He’s primed for a major comeback season with an improved jump shot, good health, and the motivation of a contract year to help silence the doubt he received last season even more. That’s what’s on his mind.
Earlier this summer, we saw reports that Griffin actually plans to re-sign with the Clippers next year. Rather than going home to join the Oklahoma City Thunder (which doesn’t have nearly as many incentives for him as some may argue), Griffin staying as the face of the LA Clippers’ future, riding with their great talent, and enjoying all the benefits of Los Angeles, from the weather to his interests in comedy and entertainment, he may just re-sign.
I feel relatively confident that will be the case. But, just like Griffin, we don’t need to think about free agency until it’s appropriate. There are more important matters to consider first, like how this new team comes together.