Chris Paul and Blake Griffin hint of long term deals with Los Angeles Clippers – NBA Update
The Los Angeles Clippers bundled out of the playoffs with a 4 – 0 sweep by the San Antonio Spurs but morale at the franchise is still high. The team with a young core believe they have a promising future ahead of them and that future received another boost
when both super stars on the team; Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, hinted that they would sign long term contracts.
Blake Griffin, the explosive power forward who has become a massive fan favourite not only in Los Angeles but around the NBA, will be out of a contract before next season. The Clippers have made it clear that they see him as a long term component of the
franchise and the player has now made it clear that he would like to stay as well.
Contract issues are always handled with care by players and franchises alike in the NBA because of the many financial implications and therefore Griffin did not give a straight answer. He did however complement the Clippers for the work they had done, saying
that the team is headed in the right direction.
"One thing I'll say is everything that's happened since I've been here has been a step in the right direction, in my opinion,"
Clippers have not been the most successful club in the NBA historically and made it into the playoffs this year after a hiatus of many years. Griffin though sees the franchise as a professional one and where the future is bright.
"What we as players want to see done, management has done. It's a great place to play. That's something I really respect. Hearing all the things everybody hears about the Clippers, since I've been here, it hasn't been that way. It's been positive. And that's
something that's huge for me, with my decision."
Chris Paul only joined the Clippers at the start of the season after his trade from the New Orleans Hornets. The player has been a hit in Los Angeles and been key in transforming the fortunes of the franchise. He will be out of a contract at the end of the
2012 – 2013 season but stated clearly that he would like to stay here in the long term.
"I hope so. We'll see. Right now I'm talking about right now and that's all I can control."
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