Blake Griffin Contract Extension: Clippers Must Lock Up Blake Immediately

The Los Angeles Clippers can extend Blake Griffin’s contract this offseason, and they must get it done as soon as possible. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, team president Andy Roeser is confident that the superstar forward will sign a long-term deal to remain with the club, despite the disappointing end to the team’s first playoff run since 2006.

After being swept by the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN Los Angeles asked Roeser about locking up new contracts for Chris Paul and Griffin:

"

I feel those things are going to get done...The important thing is that we have to do other things to improve the team. But I believe we'll do those things and ultimately I believe those two players (Griffin and Paul) are going to play out their careers here.

"

Roeser understands that Griffin and Paul will be much more eager to stick around if they can bring in more pieces to construct a championship roster, and general manager Neil Olshey is on board with that plan.

The GM told Shelburne that "(Clippers owner Donald Sterling) has committed unlimited resources to this team...We intend to exhaust all avenues in our quest to build a championship-caliber organization."

If the franchise can bring in extra help at the shooting guard position and upgrade a number of other needs, they will definitely be well on the way to becoming an NBA Finals contender. They can remain one for years if they ink Griffin to that extension this summer and then work on CP3’s deal.

Griffin has yet to inform the organization of any plans to test the free-agency market or stay and sign a new contract. It’s unlikely he will make a choice for some time, although the Clippers should be working around the clock to put together a suitable offer.

When asked about signing a possible five-year extension on July 1 or after, the star big man was reluctant to reveal anything:

"

"I haven't given it one ounce of thought," Griffin said. "That's been the furthest thing from my mind, honestly. I know that's kind of the popular thing to say, but I haven't thought about it. I'll get to that when it comes."

"

Griffin should have plenty of time to think about his future now that his team has been eliminated from the postseason.

The Los Angeles Clippers have a chance to build something special, but it all hinges on Blake signing an extension and Chris Paul following suit.