Chris Paul, Blake Griffin To Become Free Agents
It was announced today that Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will become free agents and won't pick up player options for next season from the Los Angeles.
The moves, which were expected, will make them unrestricted free agents July 1. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
The Clippers are regarded as strong favorites to retain Griffin and Paul when they hit the open market, given their financial advantages over competing teams in trying to sign them. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
The Clippers' nagging inability to dodge injuries and reach the conference finals even once in Paul's six seasons have given interested suitors such as the San Antonio Spurs hope that he will strongly consider external interest. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
The Spurs have indeed explored the feasibility of making a free-agent run at Paul, league sources told ESPN last month. Sources said the Clippers regard the threat of San Antonio signing away Paul as a legitimate concern, even though the Spurs, at present, have virtually no salary-cap flexibility. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
The Clippers will enter free agency knowing they can outbid any suitor for Paul. At 32, Paul is eligible for a five-year deal worth an estimated $205 million from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer this summer, thanks in part to rule changes in the NBA's most recent labor pact that are more favorable to stars in Paul's age bracket. The most the Spurs can offer, by contrast, is a four-year contract worth just over $152 million. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
The Spurs and Clippers would have the ability to engage in sign-and-trade talks if Paul were to decide he wants to continue his career in South Texas as opposed to Hollywood. Yet it should be noted that Paul, in a sign-and-trade scenario, could not get the five-year, $205 million deal; such a swap would merely allow San Antonio to clear cap space by sending assets back to the Clippers in exchange for Paul. "according to http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19720721/blake-griffin-opts-los-angeles-clippers-contract-chris-paul-too
What are the chances point guard Chris Paul ends up in San Antonio next season playing for Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs ? What are the chances he signs with one of the other teams in the league?