Blake Griffin expects to re-sign with Clippers

Los Angeles woke up to some pleasing news this morning. According to ESPNLosAngeles.com, the Clippers have offered Blake Griffin a five-year extension, which according to reports, Blake fully intends to re-sign.

Griffin has become a marquee player in the league, and obviously, the Clippers would love to keep Lob City around for a little while longer.

Also, if Blake can retain his status as a NBA All-Star starter or named to the All-NBA second team at the end of the season, then Griffin could be looking at making $95 million over the course of five years. Some nice pocket change for the former Sooner standout.

Hopefully, Chris Paul decides to stay with the team, and help Blake and the Clippers try and win an NBA championship. Paul could be looking at a max contract next season, and is undoubtedly been key to the Clipper’s new found success.

Blake has come a long way, though. Three years ago, Blake Griffin was taken first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft following an Elite Eight run with the University of Oklahoma and winning the AP, NABC, Naismith, and Wooden Player of the Year in his sophomore season.

Unfortunately, Blake injured his knee in an exhibition game, and required surgery on a broken left kneecap. The surgery forced Blake to wait another year before officially playing his first game in the NBA.

The injury did not bother Blake, and he bounced back quite well in the 2010-11 season by winning the Rookie of the Year award, being named a NBA All-Star, and winning the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest.

This past year, there was no drop-off in his performance. Blake continued to build a reputation as the best dunker in the league. He was voted as a starter to the Western Conference’s All-Star roster. Also, he helped the Clippers earn the fifth-seed in the postseason, but were eliminated in the second round at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs.

Griffin can not officially sign the contract until July 11, but there should be no problems. Griffin is a great kid, who deserves to the team’s “designated player” to get a five year extension. We wish him the best of luck next year, and hope he doesn’t forgets his roots.