Blake Griffin agrees to buyout with the Detroit Pistons

Blake Griffin, Pistons
NBA Analysis Network

Blake Griffin has not suited up for the Detroit Pistons since Feb. 12, as a trade or more likely a buyout loomed. The latter move is now official. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Griffin and the Pistons have agreed to a buyout. The six-time All-Star will now become an unrestricted free agent.

In 20 games for the Pistons this season, Griffin is averaging a career-low 12.3 points per game while shooting less than 40 percent from the floor. Years of injuries have diminished his once high-end athleticism. For the rebuilding/reloading Pistons, his $36.8 million salary this year and $38.9 million player option for next year is just not palatable. That contract wouldn’t be palatable for any team based on what Griffin is now.

But that doesn’t mean Griffin has nothing left to offer. His size can still be valuable to a team with a need. He is still an effective passer (3.9 assists per game this season). His game is just ground-bound now, and ideally within the 3-point arc (31.5 percent on 3-pointers this year).

Now the speculation can start to ramp up over who might sign Griffin. A few teams make sense as below the radar landing spots, beyond the most easily mentioned (Bucks, Lakers, etc.). Wojnarowski has immediately suggested the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers as suitors.

Per Wojnarowski, as expected, Griffin has interest from many playoff contenders. In a smaller role, and at a small rest of season salary, he’s a potential fit in quite a few spots. He’s not expected to take long to make a decision, as talks with prospective teams ramp up in the near future, according to Woj. “Near future” might be code for “later today”, once the buyout move to free him is official with the league office.

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