Blake Griffin cancels Suns meeting, plans to sign 5-year deal with Clippers
Jun 30, 2017, 6:36 PM | Updated: 8:52 pm
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) argues with an official after being called for a foul during the second half in an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Monday, March 13, 2017, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 114-108.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Phoenix Suns world began speculating when it was reported that Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin would meet with them over the weekend, but that is not in the plans anymore, according to reports.
Blake Griffin has canceled meetings w/ Phoenix & Denver, I'm told. Barring wildcard team swooping in, sense is a return to Clippers coming.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 1, 2017
Can confirm meeting with Suns Saturday is cancelled. Certainly a good sign for Clippers. https://t.co/2Gw5sUaihj
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 1, 2017
In fact, Griffin is reportedly set to agree to an offer to remain in Los Angeles.
Blake Griffin plans to reach agreement on a five-year, $173 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2017
Blake Griffin has indeed agreed to return to the Clippers on a five-year, $175 million deal. Talk about short order…
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 1, 2017
The 28-year-old Griffin along with Paul Millsap were two big-name players to reportedly be taking a meeting with Phoenix.
For now, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reports the meeting with Millsap will still happen.
Many asking so I'll answer – Yes the Suns meeting with free agent Paul Milsap is still on.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 1, 2017
Now that Blake Griffin is going back to Clippers, expect Phoenix to go hard for Paul Millsap. They're fans.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 1, 2017
Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 61 games last year before a toe injury ended his season.
Griffin is not the first big name the Suns have shown interest in acquiring. During general manager Ryan McDonough’s tenure, the names the team has been linked to include LaMacrus Aldridge, Kristaps Porzingis, DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Love.
Including other factors, the appeal for Griffin to stay in Los Angeles was the Clippers’ ability to offer him an additional year and extra $45 million to his contract. The Suns’ max offer would have been for four years and $130 million.
The hesitation there, however, was Griffin’s past with injuries. He has missed nearly 30 percent of his possible games in his NBA career and has exited the last two playoffs because of injuries.
Even with that gamble, no one can deny Griffin’s skill. The well-rounded power forward could have provided Phoenix with the push they needed to end a seven-year playoff drought.
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