Report: Blake Griffin unlikely to return to Celtics despite their probable interest in reunion

It is unlikely that free agent big man Blake Griffin will return to the Boston Celtics for the 2023-24 season, according to the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.

“The Celtics would likely welcome a return by veteran big man Blake Griffin, who played well last year and was a strong locker room presence, but for now that appears unlikely as Griffin considers his future, the source said,” Himmelsbach wrote.

During the 2022-23 season, Griffin appeared in 41 games for Boston and averaged 13.9 minutes per game. Even though he didn’t play a big role, he was productive when called upon.

The six-time All-Star averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.

The Celtics are expected to contend for a title in the 2023-24 season, so having a veteran leader like Griffin on the roster could help the team reach that goal. Boston lost a leader in its locker room when it traded away guard Marcus Smart this offseason.

Also, the Celtics could use some depth at the center and forward spots since Robert Williams III and Kristaps Porzingis have been injured often during their NBA careers.

A former No. 1 overall pick, Griffin has reinvented himself as his career has gone on. The five-time All-NBA selection has career averages of 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, but he’s a much different player now at age 34.

Griffin used to be a high-flying power forward, but he’s really developed an outside shot, allowing him to be a stretch big. He’s also played the center position in the past two seasons for Boston and the Brooklyn Nets.

It’s unclear if Griffin plans to keep playing in the NBA, as it seems his future is up in the air for the 2023-24 season.

During his NBA career, Griffin has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Nets and Celtics. He was the league’s Rookie of the Year in the 2010-11 season, making the All-Star Game in each of his first five NBA seasons where he was healthy after sitting out the 2009-10 season with a knee injury.

It will be interesting to see if Griffin lands with another team this offseason and how Boston replaces him if he does move on.