Danny Granger is officially on the market. After being traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Philadelphia 76ers before the deadline, it was assumed the guard's contract would be bought out by the team. However, both sides shuffled their feet on the move as Granger contemplated whether or not to stay or go. Now a free agent, he is the biggest name on the market.
76ers' general manager Sam Hinkie announced on Wednesday that Philadelphia had completed a buyout of Granger and the guard would be available to clear waivers and sign elsewhere. Several teams have expressed interest in Granger despite his inconsistencies over the past few seasons. He was a former franchise player, but injuries have hurt his ability to produce on the court. This season he averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 29 games for Indiana.
ESPN's Marc Stein reports the Los Angeles Clippers are the clear frontrunners to sign Granger and have already met with his agents. The team is in the best position to sign the guard given they are in contention for a championship and can provide Granger with the increased playing time he has been requesting. Los Angeles has already signed Glen Davis off the buyout market and head coach Doc Rivers expressed interest in at least one more player.
The Clippers need Granger to help with depth issues. Jamal Crawford recently left a game with a calf injury. He was starting in place of JJ Redick who has missed the past nine games with a back injury. There is no timetable for his return. Granger would be a needed perimeter presence for the team.
The Clippers are not the only ones pursuing Granger. The San Antonio Spurs are also looking to meet with the guard and ESPN.com believes there is mutual interest between the two sides. The issue could be playing time. The Spurs already have a swingman in Kawhi Leonard who just returned from injury. Tony Parker is currently out with no timetable of a return so Granger could still find a fit.
The Houston Rockets could be a last option for the guard. The Rockets have a pretty deep roster but are interested in another scoring threat. They likely do not stand a chance if the Clippers and Spurs are already making hard sells to Granger. The Miami Heat were interested at one point, but opted to sign Caron Butler instead after endorsements from the locker room.
Any team that signs Granger is just looking for a short-term rental to get through the postseason. He is set to be a free agent yet again and will likely seek out a long-term contract.