Clippers stars Chris Paul, Blake Griffin set to sign five-year extensions in July

Los Angeles Clippers superstars, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, are expected to sign five-year extensions upon becoming unrestricted free agents this summer, per reports. Earlier reports suggested that the duo might bolt from L.A. if the Clippers front office decide to blow up the squad in the wake of another potential playoff exit.

According to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), both Griffin and Paul stand to leave in excess of US$30 million (AU$39 million) on the table by deciding to take their talents elsewhere. While Paul, 32, is set to sign his final max-level deal, Griffin would be into his early 30's at the end of his next contract. With DeAndre Jordan signed through the 2017-18 season (Player Option for 2018-19), it would make financial and basketball sense for Paul and Griffin to stay put in Los Angeles.

Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported Tuesday that Paul would opt out of his US$24.26 million (AU$31.60 million) Player Option for the 2017-18 season, to capitalise on the rising salary cap. "He’ll (Paul) opt out of his final $24.26 million and ink a new deal with the Clippers for north of $200 million (for five years). While Knicks fan often dream of a Carmelo Anthony-Paul tandem, it’s not going to happen. Sources close to the process said that it’s already been verbally agreed to and it’s simply a function of the calendar and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement kicking in," the insider wrote in his NBA Trade Deadline preview.

NBA Trade Deadline: Griffin, Paul not available; expected to re-sign

Griffin, too, will opt out of his US$21.37 million (AU$27.83 million) Player Option for the 2017-18 season and ink a new, five-year contract with the Clippers. "Like teammate Chris Paul, Griffin’s next deal is all but done. One executive who tried to engage with the Clippers on a Griffin package got absolutely nowhere, saying it was not a conversation the Clippers were willing to have," added the report.

Kyler also noted that Griffin is reluctant to leave Los Angeles for hometown franchise, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last year, there were several reports suggesting that Griffin could join forces with Russell Westbrook in OKC. "Griffin has some media ventures in Los Angeles that he’s involved with and has expressed a desire to stay near them.

"While there was some talk of him heading to Oklahoma City, sources near Griffin said he finds the couple of games he plays there as a Clipper to be draining because of all the family and friends’ commitments. The idea of playing there full time is not desirable, especially considering how much the Clippers are prepared to pay him to stay in L.A," added Kyler.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly trying to pull off a Carmelo Anthony trade ahead of Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline. Due to their reluctance to part with Griffin, Paul or Jordan, the Clippers could entice the Knicks to give up Anthony for role players and draft picks.