Forward Blake Griffin plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets after his buyout from the Detroit Pistons.
Griffin authorized the waivers on Sunday and became available to sign with any team of his choice. Going to Brooklyn gives Griffin, 31, a chance to play for a championship contender. The Nets 24-13 are second in the Eastern Conference, half a game behind Philadelphia.
While not the six-time All-Star he once was, Griffin had teams interested in what he could deliver. On a nominee, Griffin doesn’t have to be an All-Star – just a contributor who adds depth.
Several teams need help in the frontcourt, including the Nets. Much of their score comes from perimeter players Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant, who is out with a calf strain and is expected to return to the roster shortly after Sunday’s All-Star game.
Griffin has averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20 games for Detroit this season. Griffin has one season and $ 38.9 million left on his contract.