Russell Westbrook Finds New Home, New Role With LA Clippers

Jim Parsons February 20, 2023 in Featured, NBA Tagged Russell Westbrook, Top Story - 2 Minutes

After completing 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 Excel Sports, told ESPN on Monday. Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news and then followed up with a report noting Westbrook was officially waived by the Jazz on Monday afternoon.

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

A few teams were rumored to have interest in Westbrook after he was traded by the Lakers and it was clear he wouldn’t be sticking with the Jazz. The Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat were among the speculated or reported teams. The Clippers became increasingly interested and coach Ty Lue, along with president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank began conversations with Westbrook, sources said. The sell to Westbrook was that the Clippers had a clear and specific role for him, one that was built around his playmaking, rebounding, and toughness. With the Lakers, Westbrook was often frustrated because the team had no real plan for him, only that it seemed clearer by the day they didn’t want him around. He tried to embrace a sixth-man role, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game but it didn’t pan out. The Jazz said they wouldn’t guarantee him any specific role or minutes either as their focus in on the team’s young talent.

The Clippers Feel Like the Best Fit For Westbrook

The fact that the Clippers have a chance to win a championship factored into Westbrook’s decision. Wojnarowski said that Westbrook really tried to sell the Clippers on his desire to play and win there. There is an opportunity for him to become a starter on this team and that was something that wasn’t guaranteed with many of his other options.

Russell Westbrook will be joining the Los Angeles Clippers after a rocky run with the Lakers

Westbrook is still a very productive player despite the drama that has surrounded him this season. The Clippers were convinced that he could fill their vision of him as a player and he gets to stay in LA, which is something Westbrook was keen to do.

Are the Clippers making the right decision? Or, is there a chance this works out as well as many of Westbrook’s previous runs with other NBA franchises that looked to move on from him?