Blake Griffin agrees to buyout, will become free agent

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier today that Blake Griffin has agreed to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons and will become a free agent. He listed the Miami Heat as one of the teams “expected to be considered” for Griffin’s next stop.

A few minutes later, though, Shams Charania of The Athletic said that the Brooklyn Nets are “believed to be leaders” to sign the former six-time All-Star.

Miami clearly needs help at the power forward spot. Kelly Olynyk is shooting a career-low from 3-point range this season, though he did play very well last night. KZ Okpala and Moe Harkless have looked lost most of the time they’ve been on the court, and a 37-year-old Andre Iguodala isn’t suited for more than a backup role.

I’m glad to see the Heat are not the favorites to sign Griffin. It’s doubtful that Griffin will regain any of the mobility he’s lost over the last several years in a new environment. Griffin and DeMarcus Cousins are free agents now because the teams they played for gave up on them. Miami signing them mid-season would look more like the 2011 Mike Bibby experience than the 2005 Alonzo Mourning or 2016 Joe Johnson ones.

To get someone who could fill the Jae Crowder role from last season, Miami would have to pursue a trade.

After all, let’s not forget when Heat TV analyst Eric Reid roasted Griffin during a Heat/Pistons game in January.