Boston Celtics free agency: C’s lose out on Blake Griffin sweepstakes
11:00 p.m.: Blake Griffin has decided to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Boston Celtics will focus all their attention on Gordon Hayward.
According to ESPN, Blake Griffin has decided to stay with the Clippers and won’t see what the Boston Celtics have to offer. The two sides have reportedly agreed to a 5-year, $173 million dollar deal.
As Griffin was expected to test the free agency market, his decision to remain a member of the Clippers was not as shocking as the Paul George trade.
Considering the fact that Chris Paul was moved to the Houston Rockets, the Clippers couldn’t afford to lose another star. What does this mean for the Celtics? It means if they lose out on Gordon Hayward, they could lose out this summer when it comes to big-name free agents.
The Boston Celtics will attempt to sign a big name free agent for the second consecutive summer. Could Blake Griffin be the next star to wear green?
The answer to that question mostly depends on what happens with another top free agent. With the Boston Celtics expected to focus their attention on Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin has already been deemed the backup plan.
The high flying forward is scheduled to meet with the Phoenix Suns once free agency officially begins July 1. Other teams in on the sweepstakes are the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets and the Celtics.
There is always a chance another team will jump in on the sweepstakes, but those are the teams considered front runners for Griffin’s services. The Celtics could lag behind due to their current push to sign Hayward and the Paul George trade talks.
More from Boston Celtics
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
- Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
- Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule
In fact, Danny Ainge and the green team is running into some difficulty scheduling a visit with Griffin. With the team expected to meet with Hayward on Sunday, Griffin’s camp is not apt to wait around to see what happens with the Utah Jazz star.
A difference in priorities
As Jay King of Masslive.com reported Friday, the Boston Celtics are having trouble finding time to set up a meeting with Griffin due to each side’s priorities.
Unless a team like Phoenix or even the Rockets really make a strong pitch, it is possible Boston has more time than they may think. Due to Blake Griffin’s injury history, teams may want to consider his medical information before locking him down.
Of course, this would become null for the green and white if Hayward decides to join the Atlantic division champions. It is also possible that the Boston Celtics lose out on both free agents due to the timeline they set out entering the free agent period.
Related Story: Gordon Hayward could break the hearts of Boston Celtics fans
Whatever the case, it will be a very interesting start to July for the team. Either there will be fireworks or Mr. Ainge will once again fail lighting them once again.
Celtics fans are hoping for a grand finale of either Hayward or Griffin. Those fireworks will be even louder if Paul George is added as well!
Next: Boston Red Sox: Encouraging signs from David Price
For more news and rumors surrounding the Boston Celtics and NBA free agency, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.