The Brooklyn Nets are taking their fantasy basketball experiment to the limit. After previously adding former MVP James Harden to the superstar core of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets have now managed to get six-time All-Star Blake Griffin on board as well.
Griffin, who recently agreed to a contract buyout with the Detroit Pistons, agreed to a deal with the Nets for the remainder of the season. The 31-year-old veteran forward is expected to earn the veteran’s minimum while in Brooklyn.
The team officially confirmed the news on Monday on their social media.
“We’re fortunate to be able to add a player of Blake’s caliber to our roster at this point in the season,” said Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks about the move. “Blake is a versatile frontcourt player with a long track record of success in our league, and we’re excited about the impact he’ll make for us both on and off the court in Brooklyn.”
Blake Griffin had a disappointing start of the 2020-21 season, averaging just 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20 games with the Pistons. But these struggles didn’t affect his market when he became a free agent, with several playoff and title contenders making a run at him.
Griffin decided to snub all of the other offers in favor of coming to Brooklyn, reportedly believing that the Nets could be his best pathway to a championship. Reuniting with his former LA Clippers teammate DeAndre Jordan also played a role.
Griffin, who was the Clippers’ No. 1 pick in 2009, received six All-Star nods and five All-NBA selections while in the NBA. His career averages include 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
