20 February 2023 , 17:39
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NBA star Russell Westbrook is set to join the Los Angeles Clippers after completing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz following his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers traded Westbrook and a 2027 first round pick to the Jazz as part of a three-team deal last week ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. The 34-year-old enjoyed a sixth-man role on the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game.
Westbrook took time to consider his options after arriving in Utah. On Friday, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge along with general manager Justin Zanik and coach Will Hardy told the former MVP that they would welcome him on the roster, but the franchise would ultimately prioritise playtime for the team’s younger players.
With no assurances on minutes or his role size, Westbrook and the Jazz agreed to complete a buyout on the remaining $47 million owed to him on his expiring deal. Westbrook had discussed deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, but it was the opportunity to remain in Los Angeles on a championship contender that led him to accept a deal with the Clippers.
The Clippers reportedly became increasingly interested by the prospect of adding Westbrook as team officials - including coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank - engaged in a series of conversations with the nine-time All-Star. the discussions helped figure out Westbrook's willingness to fit into a clear, specified role with the Clippers set to focus on his playmaking, rebounding and toughness.
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ESPN's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported: "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 tells ESPN."
Russell Westbrook was the 2017 NBA MVP while he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder (Getty Images)Westbrook joins a Clippers core that has championship aspirations and includes his former Thunder teammate Paul George. Kawhi Leonard is also finally fit, which means the Clippers must be considered a threat come the postseason.
Westbrook likely just wants to land in a spot where he feels desired and wanted. His time with the Lakers was chiefly derailed by media scrutiny, while there were constant rumours that the franchise wanted to trade the guard; Los Angeles allegedly offered Westbrook as well as a first round pick for Kyrie Irving, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks.
Russell Westbrook with LeBron James during their Lakers days together (Getty Images)Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka recently addressed the moves he made at the trade deadline, including sending Westbrook briefly out of town. Speaking to Spectrum Sportsnet, Pelinka said: “I think when we made the Russell Westbrook trade, we did it with the hope of bringing a championship, having a big three. And clearly, we fell short of that. But when something’s not working as a general manager, it’s your job to fix it.
“No one has a perfect track record. But when you feel like a team isn’t performing the way it’s supposed to you gotta rearrange the parts. And that was sort of what we did at the trade deadline. Now that said, Russell Westbrook was a consummate professional and had great games as a Laker. And we enjoyed having him as a Laker.”
Westbrook’s 33-28 Clippers face the Sacramento Kings in their next contest on Friday night. The Kings own a 32-25 record and sit third in the competitive Western Conference, while the Clippers are one spot behind.