Pistons buy out Blake Griffin; several teams interested

Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin (23) against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Pistons buy out Blake Griffin; Celtics, Lakers, Nets among teams interested

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/5/21

The Detroit Pistons have reached a buyout agreement with veteran big man Blake Griffin, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Six-time All-Star forward Blake Griffin has agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons and will become an unrestricted free agent, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 5, 2021

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors are interested in signing Griffin, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

The Nets are regarded as a strong contender for Blake Griffin given Brooklyn's rise and his longstanding relationship with players there and the Celtics have also expressed interest, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 5, 2021

The Clippers drafted Griffin first overall in 2009 and re-signed him to a massive five-year, $171.2-million contract in 2017 before trading him to the Pistons. Griffin was set to make $36.8 million this season and had a $39 million player option for the 2021-22 campaign.

In four seasons with the Pistons, Griffin averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and five assists per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 33.9% from deep.

Detroit opted to sit Griffin beginning in February as they tried to trade him. Before being removed from the lineup, he was averaging 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 36.5% from the floor and 31.5% from deep.

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