Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Michael Jordan will recruit Blake Griffin if he opts out
With an early termination option this summer, Blake Griffin could become a free agent and the Charlotte Hornets may go after the big man.
According to Tate Frazier of The Ringer, “Michael Jordan will recruit Blake Griffin if he decides to opt out to test free agency this summer.” He also added that “Jordan brand will be a big talking point” if the Charlotte Hornets do decide to go after the all-star power forward. This could potentially be one of the biggest moves in franchise history.
The Hornets’ cap situation will be a problem this offseason. They are already above the projected salary cap of $102 million which means that they would have to create spending money through trades. Frazier addressed that in a later tweet that said, “TRY TO FIND SUITORS FOR MKG, ZELLER, AND PLUMLEE.” In theory, that would create enough space for Charlotte to go after Griffin.
Trading Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller would be relatively easy. As for Miles Plumlee, that would be a challenge and a half. With his massive $12.5 million per year contract through the 2019-20 season doesn’t exactly make him an attractive trade target. They wouldn’t need to trade all three players but shedding more than $20 million in salaries would help.
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Although Blake is signed through next season, he has an early termination option which means he can opt-out and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he does opt-in, Griffin will make $21.3 million next year. He would easily become one of the top free agents on the open market if he does choose to opt-out.
The 28-year old struggled with injuries and appeared in only 61 games for the Los Angeles Clippers this past season. Despite that, Griffin still managed to average 21.6 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game and 4.9 assists per game. When healthy, he is one of the best and most productive power forwards in the league.
If the Hornets find a way to lure the 6’10 big man to Charlotte, Michael Jordan would play a big part in making that happen. With the team set to wear Jordan brand uniforms next season, giving Blake a signature shoe or pushing him as a center point of the company could be an intriguing tactic to sign him. MJ and Griffin’s relationship could help the Hornets’ chances of bringing him to the Queen City.
Next: Hornets to Look at Millsap in Free Agency
By bringing in the five-time all-star, the Charlotte Hornets would gain a true number two to pair with Kemba Walker. The team hasn’t had much luck signing big name players in free agency in the past but things could change with Griffin. Time will tell what direction they go in this summer but if Blake opts out, nearly every team with cap space will want to sign him.