AJ Griffin Rumors

AJ Griffin: “I gave up basketball to follow Jesus and I know that in a lot of people's eyes, that seems like a loss in the world’s eyes. But I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God. I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart with all my time. I'm excited to see where that leads me.”

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AJ Griffin: “This really has to start off with me giving my life to Christ in 2020, I truly accepted him back then, he found me, I know we say we found God but he finds us, but yeah it was in 2020 when I gave my life to Christ and it was the best decision of my life. it truly was and I think my heart started to change I think before, I think basketball is my everything I think basketball was so-called my passion I thought that was the reason why I was living but when I came to God he truly showed me that we're all made to glorify God.”

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In a surprising turn of events with less than two weeks to go until training camps open around the NBA, 21-year-old Houston Rockets forward A.J. Griffin is stepping away from basketball. He will subsequently be waived by the franchise via contract buyout, giving up a significant portion of the $3.9 million he was owed for the upcoming 2024-25 season, per a team source.

New York Times

Following the conclusion of summer league, Griffin and other teammates took part in voluntary workouts at the new practice facility, but as training camp edged closer, Griffin’s appearances — and communication with the organization — diminished. Griffin’s sudden decision is one that the Rockets didn’t anticipate upon trading for him, but understand that his personal life takes priority and have offered their support. As of now, the franchise has no immediate plans to fill the roster spot, a team source said.

New York Times

The Rockets on Friday reached a buyout agreement with forward A.J. Griffin, allowing him to sit out the season while considering whether to continue his career, a person with knowledge of the agreement said.

Houston Chronicle

The buyout was worth $250,000, according to the person familiar with the details.

Houston Chronicle

Shams Charania: Rockets are waiving AJ Griffin via contract buyout, as he is expected to step away from basketball at 21 years old after two NBA seasons, sources said.

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Shams Charania: Just in: Houston Rockets F AJ Griffin is seriously considering stepping away from basketball, sources tell me and @KellyIko. Griffin, 21, was the No. 16 pick in the 2022 NBA draft to Atlanta, then traded to Houston this summer. Sides are preparing for his departure from the game. pic.x.com/aynp1rf4mi

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Drafting Reed Sheppard and trading for A.J. Griffin — a pair of 20-year-old shooters — aligned more with the team structure than chasing another two-way veteran like Reggie Bullock, Gary Harris or even Gary Trent Jr., who team sources said had quietly expressed interest in teaming up with VanVleet again.

New York Times

Kelly Iko: Rockets forwards Cam Whitmore and A.J. Griffin plan to play in Summer League for the franchise next month in Vegas, sources tell @TheAthletic.

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Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: The Atlanta Hawks are trading F AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets for the 44th pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Griffin, 20, was a 2022 first-round pick out of Duke.

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Michael Scotto: Hawks are trading AJ Griffin, the former No. 16 overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft to the Rockets for the No. 44 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, league sources confirmed. First reported by ESPN. Griffin was discussed in trade talks before the deadline and gets a fresh start.

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Bobby Marks: The AJ Griffin trade to Houston puts Atlanta right at the $171M luxury tax. However, if Atlanta tenders Saddiq Bey a $8.5M Qualifying Offer, they would now go into the first apron.

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Anthony Chiang: Hawks injury report for tomorrow’s game vs. Heat: Saddiq Bey (left knee torn ACL): Out AJ Griffin (right ankle sprain): Out Seth Lundy (left ankle soreness): Out Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain): Out Trae Young (left fifth finger torn ligament): Out

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