Following his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, which subsequently led to a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, Russell Westbrook is planning on signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Westbrook is not ready to leave LA just yet as his agent Jeff Schwartz told ESPN that a deal with the Clippers is imminent. The buyout with the Jazz saw the team owe him his remaining $47 million USD on his expiring deal. The nine-time All-Star returns to Los Angeles as reports have indicated that the Clippers became interested in Westbrook. Coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank see Westbrook fitting in well with the Clippers in regards to his toughness, rebounding and playmaking.
The deal would see Westbrook reunite with former OKC teammate Paul George. ESPN also reports that Westbrook was in talks with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat. However, sources said that it was the chance to win a championship in LA that really drew him to the Clippers.
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
In other sports news, Chicago Bulls are signing Patrick Beverley for the remainder of the season.