Six-time All-Star Blake Griffin will become an unrestricted free agent after reaching a buyout deal with the Detroit Pistons, ESPN reported Friday.
Detroit was unable to broker a trade for the 31-year-old forward, who has averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 31.3 minutes in 20 starts this season. He hasn’t played since Feb. 12.
Griffin was owed $36.6 million for the remainder of this season, plus a $39 million player option for next season, prohibitive numbers for a franchise that is in rebuilding mode.
The Pistons entered the NBA All-Star break in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 10-26 record. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves (7-29) have fewer wins.
Multiple playoff contenders have reportedly expressed interest in signing Griffin.
The No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 draft, Griffin has career averages of 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 642 games with the Clippers and Pistons (2018-21). He was the Rookie of the Year in 2010-11.
