On Friday afternoon, word broke that Blake Griffin would be opting out of the final year of his contract in order to pursue free agency this summer. Just moments later, the attention of the NBA world turned to another player who faced the same decision, and if anything, it was probably an easier one for fellow Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul. Like Griffin, Paul will reportedly be testing the free agent waters beginning on July 1.
Clippers guard Chris Paul has also informed the Clippers he is declining his option to become unrestricted free agent, per source
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 23, 2017
Both players have early termination options that need to be formally exercised, rather than simply declining an option to hit free agency. Still, the mechanics are secondary to the fact that both players are actively turning down guaranteed money ($21.37 million for Griffin, $24.27 million for Paul) in order to provide the opportunity to secure lucrative, long-term deals.
Paul is the current head of the NBPA, and as part of the league’s CBA negotiations, he was instrumental in clearing a path that could allow him to earn more than $200 million over the course of five years, despite being 32 years old as he hits the market.
It is an open question as to whether Paul will be “worth” that lofty price at the end of that contract, but for now, he remains one of the best point guards in the NBA and will almost assuredly be flooded with free agent offers.
Teams like the San Antonio Spurs (or even the Houston Rockets) have already reportedly expressed interest in luring Paul away from Los Angeles, and now that he will be a free agent, the Clippers will have to battle with other suitors for his on-court services.
