Dec 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
While Chris Paul is joining forces with James Harden and the Houston Rockets, Blake Griffin is staying put.
Multiple outlets reported Friday night that Griffin agreed to a five-year contract to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Los Angeles Times reported the deal, which was confirmed by ESPN and The Vertical.
Griffin will get a deal worth $173 million after canceling meetings with Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets.
Griffin is returning to the Clippers two days after Paul was dealt to the Rockets due to a reported rift with coach Doc Rivers.
Last week, Griffin opted out of his contract and became an unrestricted free agent.
Griffin was the top overall pick in the 2009 draft out of Oklahoma. He missed the 2009-2010 season with a knee injury and a number of injuries have kept the five-time All-Star out for a combined 83 games in the last three regular seasons.
With Griffin and Paul, the Clippers have made the postseason in the last six seasons but never advanced past the second round. Griffin was injured in Game 3 of the first-round series against Utah and didn’t return. Los Angeles lost the deciding seventh game at home.
Griffin averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds last season in 61 games. In 471 regular-season games, Griffin has averages of 21.5 points and 9.4 rebounds to go along with a 51.8 shooting percentage.
