Blake Griffin's future with the Los Angeles Clippers is less certain than that of point guard Chris Paul, sources told ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz. The report contradicts an earlier story stating the Clippers are committed to re-signing Griffin, who can opt out of his contract this summer.
While nothing is certain with the Clippers facing elimination Friday night at the hands of the Utah Jazz, Paul could be a shoo-in to re-sign with the organization. Like Griffin, he can opt out of his deal. Unlike Griffin, Paul will be eligible for a "supermax" designated player extension, a contract of around $200 million over five years that only the Clippers can pay him.
Related: If Griffin's Clippers career is over, where could he end up?
A first-round playoff exit would signal another failed spring by the franchise. Since 2012, only the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have won more NBA regular-season games than the Clippers, yet Los Angeles has never been past the second round of the playoffs. There's a growing sense the core of Paul, Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan has passed its expiry date, amid several years of rumors that certain players don't see eye to eye.
"They both made a concerted effort this past summer to figure each other out," a source said of Griffin and Paul to Arnovitz. "They've matured that way. They know they want the same thing. They're also very different."
