Advertisement

Chris Paul, Blake Griffin decline options, hit free agency

By Alex Butler
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (R) shoots over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (L) in Game 5 of their best-of seven Western Conference playoff series on April 25 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI
1 of 3 | Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (R) shoots over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (L) in Game 5 of their best-of seven Western Conference playoff series on April 25 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

June 23 (UPI) -- As expected, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will be free agents this summer. Paul and Griffin informed the Los Angeles Clippers of their intentions Friday.

They each opted out of their respective contracts, via player option.

Advertisement

The Los Angeles Times reported that Paul informed the Los Angeles Clippers of his decision and will become an unrestricted free agent. Paul's player option for 2017 was $24.2 million. The nine-time All-Star and eight-time All-NBA selection has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.

The Vertical reported the news on Griffin, who opted out of his $21.3 million option for next season in order to become an unrestricted free agent. He has been linked to many teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.

Paul, 32, scored 18.1 points per game with 9.2 assists per game this season. Griffin, 28, netted 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per bout for the Clippers. Paul could earn up to $205 million if he opts to re-sign with the franchise, $52 million more than he could earn if he signs elsewhere.

Advertisement

Paul's 9.9 assists per game are the third-most in NBA history.

The Vertical reported that Griffin is eligible for a five-year, $172 million deal if he returns to the Clippers and a four-year, $128 million pact if he decides to sign elsewhere.

The NBA's free-agency period kicks off on July 1.

Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick is also set to hit free agency. Redick, who hit a career-high 48 percent from 3-point range last season, could seek a deal for up to $20 million annually, according to the Times. Redick has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.

Latest Headlines