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NBA superstar PG Russell Westbrook intends to Sign with the Los Angeles Clippers
Introduction
On Monday, February 20th, 2023 the 9 - time NBA All - Star point guard as well as the former NBA MVP Award winner, Russell Westbrook, intends on signing with the Los Angeles Clippers following an NBA contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, according to Westbrook’s agent, Jeff Schwartz.
With Russell and the Utah Jazz on the cusp of finalizing his buyout on the residual $47 million that he is entitled to on his expiring contract, the former NBA MVP will now return back to Los Angeles only this time with the L. A. Clippers. Westbrook was officially waived by the Utah Jazz on the afternoon of Monday, February 20th, 2023 according to the National Basketball League according to sources.
The Los Angeles Clippers Front Office
The Los Angeles Clippers instantly developed increasingly interested with the services of Westbrook as their franchise officials that included their head coach, Ty Lue, as well as their president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, burrowed through a series of conversations with Westbrook and his agent. Those negotiations centered on Russell's willingness to adapt to as well as fill a particular and specific role with the Los Angeles Clippers who are built throughout his play - making ability, rebounding, and overall toughness.
The now 34 - year - old, Westbrook, joins a Los Angeles Clippers team that possesses NBA championship title aspirations which include Russell’s former teammate with the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paul George.
Other Negotiations from NBA Teams for Russell Westbrook
Westbrook as well as his agent had previously discussed potential deals with the Chicago Bulls, the Washington Wizards, and the Miami Heat over the course of the past few days / weeks recently, but the opportunity for Westbrook to compete for an NBA championship title as well as continue to play in his hometown of Los Angeles, California acted as a significant part of his overall decision to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Los Angeles Lakers traded Russell as well as a 2027 NBA first - round draft selection to the Utah Jazz as part of a three - team deal. After a tumultuous season - plus with the Los Angeles Lakers, Westbrook took the time to process this deal and consider his other potential possibilities. Russell embarked on a 6th - man role for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 15.9 - points per game, 6.2 - rebounds per game, and 7.5 - assists over the course of his average of 28.7 - minutes per game.
The Utah Jazz CEO, Danny Ainge, and their general manager, Justin Zanik, and their head coach, Will Hardy, told Russell last Friday that they would welcome him in to report to the franchise, but their organization was prioritizing and playing their younger players, and that they would make no guarantees on his minutes or the size of his role with the team as that is all performance based decisions.
Westbrook’s Basketball Career Achievements, Honors, & Awards
- NBA Most Valuable Player Award Winner (2017)
- 9 - Time NBA All - Star Selection (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- 2 - Time NBA All - Star Game MVP Award Winner (2015, 2016)
- 2 - Time All - NBA First Team Selection (2016, 2017)
- 5 - Time All - NBA Second Team Selection (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018)
- 2 - Time All - NBA Third Team Selection (2019, 2020)
- NBA All - Rookie First Team Selection (2009)
- 2 - Time NBA Scoring Champion (2015, 2017)
- 3 - Time NBA Assists Leader (2018, 2019, 2021)
- NBA 75th - Anniversary Team Selection
- Third - Team All - Pac - 10 Selection (2008)
- Pac - 10 Defensive Player of the Year Award Winner (2008)
- Pac - 10 All - Defensive Team Selection (2008)
Sources:
“Russell Westbrook plans to sign with LA Clippers, agent says”, Adrian Wojnarowski, February 20, 2023.
“Russell Westbrook”, basketball-reference.com, February 21, 2023.