Six-time All-Star Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons have agreed to step down until the franchise and its representatives work on a resolution about its future, Pistons CEO Troy Weaver told ESPN.
The Pistons will continue to pursue commercial scenarios involving Griffin and talk about reaching an agreement with his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports, who could eventually go in the same direction.
The Pistons are heading for a reconstruction under Weaver, and this gives the franchise an opportunity to play with younger players as Griffin moves toward finding a role on a competing team.
“After extensive discussion with Blake’s representatives, it was agreed that we would begin work to facilitate a resolution on his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both sides,” Weaver told ESPN on Monday. “We respect all of Blake’s efforts in Detroit and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved,” he added.
In a statement, Griffin told ESPN: “I am grateful to the Pistons for understanding what I want to accomplish in my career and for working together on the best way forward.”
Finding a deal for Griffin, who owes $ 36.6 million this season and $ 39 million in 2021-2022, will be a challenge. But the team will continue to seek an agreement until the March 25 deadline.
Detroit has entered a complete rebuild under first-year general manager Weaver, and the opportunity to play with the youngest players in the franchise, including rookie striker Saddiq Bey, is taking precedence now.
The injuries dramatically changed Griffin’s game, eliminating the high-speed attacks that marked his All-Star career. He is averaging 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Detroit this season. Griffin had solid back-to-back performances on Thursday and Friday, including 12 points, six assists and four rebounds in a win over the Boston Celtics.
Griffin signed a five-year, $ 171 million contract with LA Clippers, which arrived in Detroit in late January 2018.