The Los Angeles Clippers have made it their top priority to re-sign Blake Griffin after trading Chris Paul, but he is still expected to test the open market.
Reports indicate he would return to Los Angeles on a five-year max deal, but the Oklahoma City Thunder plan to make a run at him. However, it appears the Miami Heat have also emerged as a frontrunner, according to Sports Illustrated's Lee Jenkins.
“This is a guess, but I’m going to guess Miami on him," Jenkins told FS1's Colin Cowherd. "I think he’s somebody, too, who’s played, he’s now played in a Big 3, he’s played with three guys,” Jenkins said. “I think, he’s a guy you can see want to flourish a little bit and sort of have his own team and if he goes to the Heat, he would have that. Plus the culture that they have there and some of the other pieces. If I’m, I’m taking kind of a flyer on Blake Griffin to Miami.”
Griffin declined his $20.1 million option with the Clippers to become an unrestricted free agent, though they can offer him a five-year, $175 million deal. The most Miami can offer is a four-year deal for $127 million.
Griffin's interest in the Heat could also be influenced by Gordon Hayward's free agency decision. He has set up three free agent meetings, the first of which is with Miami.
Griffin averaged 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 61 games this season.
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