Power forward Blake Griffin has agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons and is set to enter unrestricted free agency ahead of the All-Star break, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Griffin is drawing interest from multiple contending teams, Wojnarowski noted. He can sign for any amount and has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks, among others. A return to the Clippers isn’t out of the question, either.
Griffin, 31, has been held out for the past month while the Pistons worked on a resolution.
“I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best path forward,” he said in a statement at the time.
Griffin is averaging a career-low 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20 games with the Pistons this season. Injuries have clearly robbed the six-time All-Star of some of his explosiveness, but there is little doubt he could still help a team with championship aspirations.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver and coach Dwane Casey intend to focus on the roster’s young players, which left Griffin without a role moving forward.
“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Weaver said. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”
