Could this be the end of the Blake Griffin-Chris Paul era in Los Angeles? As anticipated, Griffin and Paul have both opted out of their deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to test the free-agent market. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical first announced Griffin’s decision, which will make him one of the most sought-after names in the free-agent pool. Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that Paul has also informed the Clippers that he’s declining the option.

The 32-year-old Paul can demand a maximum five-year deal worth more than $200 million if he stays with the Clippers.

He could get a shorter and lower deal if he signs with other teams. Griffin, for his part, can earn $175 million over five years if he remains with the Clippers. He can sign a four-year deal worth $130 million if he joins another team. Paul and Griffin have made the Clippers a contender in the West but they have failed to reach the Conference Finals in the past six seasons.

Spurs interested in signing Paul

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly interested in signing Paul to replace the aging Tony Parker as their starting playmaker. The 35-year-old Parker is currently recovering from a ruptured tendon while backup guard Patty Mills will be an unrestricted free agent in July and could ask for a huge contract from the Spurs.

However, the Spurs need to creat huge salary cap room to accommodate Paul. The Spurs are working on a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers involving LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green. If they are traded, the Spurs will have around $31 million in cap space.

Center Pau Gasol and power forward David Lee will opt out of their respective deals with the Spurs worth $16 million and $1.6 million, respectively, giving San Antonio more cap room to work a deal with Paul.

Last season, Paul averaged 18.1 points, 9.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. He raised his scoring to 25.3 points and 9.9 assists in the playoffs but they lost to the Utah Jazz in the first round.

Griffin could be targeted by several teams

Griffin is expected to draw interest from several teams which need help in the power forward spot.

Earlier, Griffin was rumored to be traded to the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony but it never materialized. When fully healthy, Griffin is a force to reckon with at the No. 4 spot. He averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for the Clippers this past season. However, he is also known for being injury prone in his career, missing 83 games in the past three seasons due to a variety of injuries.