Sources: Clippers are frontrunners to land Danny Granger
The Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as the frontrunners to sign forward Danny Granger, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Once Granger clears waivers in the next 48 hours, the Clippers' ability to offer him significant playing time and championship contention under coach Doc Rivers makes them the most attractive destination, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Still, the San Antonio Spurs remain a viable possibility for Granger, league sources said. The Spurs are selling Granger on a modern-day variation of the Robert Horry role in San Antonio, league sources said. Granger is expected to speak with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford in the near future, sources said.
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The Philadelphia 76ers and Granger reached agreement on a contract buyout Wednesday, clearing the way for the former All-Star forward to become a free agent. Once Granger clears waivers Friday, he becomes one of the premier targets on the NBA's free-agent market.
Beyond the Clippers and Spurs, the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have shown an inclination to pursue Granger and are expected to have conversations with him, league sources said.
Philadelphia acquired Granger and a future second-round draft pick in a deal with Indiana for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen on Thursday. Granger is in the final year of his contract, earning $14 million. Philadelphia is engaged in a teardown of its roster and is gathering draft picks to rebuild with young players.
An All-Star in the 2008-09 season while averaging 25.8 points per game, a combination of injuries and the emergence of Paul George reduced Granger's role with the Pacers. This year he averaged 8.3 points in 22 minutes a game for Indiana. Through it all, Granger's professionalism and character make him an ideal candidate to incorporate into the roster of a contender.
NBA.com first reported that the Sixers and Granger had come to a buyout agreement.
