NEW YORK (AP) — Blake Griffin is joining the collection of stars
in Brooklyn.
The six-time All-Star agreed to sign with the Nets, a person
with knowledge of the details said Sunday.
Griffin became a free agent Friday when he completed a buyout
agreement with the Detroit Pistons. He cleared waivers Sunday and
was eligible to sign with any team.
The often-injured forward decided to join All-Stars Kevin
Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden in Brooklyn, the person told
The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there was no
announcement.
“I’m sure he wants to win. If he passed up more money (from)
Detroit, he wants to win, and he wants to have an opportunity to
play meaningful minutes. I’m assuming that’s one of the reasons why
he came.” Harden said.
“Obviously, we know the athletic and high-jumping Blake. But I
think as of these last couple years, he’s knocking down the 3-ball
a little bit better, ballhandling is a lot better and he can be a
great contribution to this team."
ESPN first reported Griffin's plans.
The 31-year-old Griffin is a six-time All-Star who has averaged
21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds since being the No. 1 pick in the 2009
draft.
Griffin is no longer the high flyer he was during his best years
with the Los Angeles Clippers and averaged only 12.3 points in 20
games this season. But the 6-foot-9 forward fills a need for the
Nets, who are small in the frontcourt.
And they don't need a ton of scoring, leading the NBA with 121.1
points per game. Brooklyn is a half-game behind Philadelphia for
the Eastern Conference lead.