After posting All-Star numbers and guiding the Clippers to their first postseason appearance in six years, Griffin was rewarded with a five-year, $95 million contract extension on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
The new deal is Griffin's second in the NBA, and will boost his annual salary to nearly $19 million, which is a big jump over the $5.7 million he earned in the 2011-12 season.
The two-time All-Star has been a force on the interior since first stepping onto the floor for his rookie season in 2010, averaging better than 20 points and 10 rebounds in both seasons in Los Angeles. He's currently preparing to head to London to represent Team USA at the 2012 Olympics.
Griffin was forced to sit out the 2009 season with an injured kneecap after being selected No. 1 overall. But once he returned to health, Griffin proved his worth, averaging 22.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game en route to being named the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Last season, Griffin finally got some help out on the floor as the Clippers traded for All-Star point guard Chris Paul. With Paul's addition, the Clippers took on a new up-tempo style offense and went on to a 40-26 record and a series victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
The deal will not only keep Griffin in LA for the next five seasons, but it also increases the Clippers chances at retaining Paul when his contract comes up after the 2013 season. Griffin is certainly a big piece to the Clips future, but with Paul alongside LA could have a new powerhouse in the Staples Center for years to come.
