Clippers sign Griffin to 5-year extension

[July 11, 2012]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Clippers have signed All-Star forward Blake Griffin to a five-year contract extension that could be worth up to $95 million.

The team announced the deal late Tuesday night.

The deal could keep Griffin, who could opt out after four years, in a Clippers uniform until 2018. He will earn $7.2 million next season.

"Happy to officially sign my extension to (hashtag)clippernation for 5 more years. Can't wait. Thanks for all the support," Griffin tweeted.

Teammate Chris Paul retweeted Griffin and added, "Yessirrrrr CONGRATS BG!!!"

Griffin averaged 20.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 66 games last season, helping the Clippers to a 40-26 record -- their first winning season since 2005-06 and their first playoff berth since then, as well. They beat Memphis in the first round, with Griffin averaging 18.0 points and 6.4 rebounds, before losing to San Antonio in the conference semifinals.

Griffin has been training with the U.S. Olympic basketball team in Las Vegas in preparation for the London Games that begin July 27.

Under the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, players coming off their rookie-scale contract are eligible to sign for 30 percent of the salary cap if voted to start in two All-Star games, are named to an All-NBA team twice or are named the most valuable player. Every team is allowed one designated player who can get a five-year maximum extension on his rookie contract.

[Associated Press]

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