Russell Westbrook is staying in LA after all.
After getting sent to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline, the former Laker is planning to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers once his contract buyout with the Jazz is complete, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This will be Westbrook’s fifth team in five years.
After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OjZ0Mkuz5x
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2023
Rumors were circling that the Jazz would buyout Westbrook ever since the Lakers dealt him to Utah for Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt on Feb. 8, but nothing was put into motion until this deal with the Clippers on Monday (Feb. 20). Westbrook is still owed $13.2 million of his $47 million he earns annually on the five year, $206 million contract he signed with the Thunder back in 2018, and now he reunites with former Thunder teammate Paul George on a Clippers team with championship aspirations.
According to Wojnarowksi, the Clippers became increasingly interested with Westbrook as team officials, including coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, dug into a series of conversations with the 34-year-old guard. Those discussions centered around Westbrook’s willingness to fit into a clear and specific role with the Clippers built around his playmaking, rebounding and toughness. The two-time scoring champ and 2016-17 MVP is averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.2 minutes per game this season.
Clippers-Lakers, April 5.
Circle your calendars 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y2gut8BNJ8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2023
Along with Westbrook, the Clippers have added Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee since the trade deadline, showing that they plan to make a deep run in the playoffs. They dealt John Wall to Houston to receive Gordon, so Westbrook is available to slot in at starting point guard should the Clippers elect to use him in that role.
Westbrook was also considering the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards, according to Wojnarowski.
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