Russell Westbrook to sign a deal with Los Angeles Clippers after discussion with Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat on completing a contract buyout.
According to his agent, his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, nine-time All-Star guardRussell Westbrookplans to sign with the LA Clippers after completing a contract buyout.
The league had announced that Westbrook and theUtah Jazzhad finalized the buyout on the remaining $47 million owed on his expiring deal, the former NBA MVP will return to Los Angeles — this time with the Clippers after he was officially waived by the Jazz on Monday.
According to sources, the Clippers had a keen interest in Westbrook as team officials, including coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, dug into a series of conversations with Westbrook. Their discussions centered on if Westbrook will be willing to fit into a clear and specific role with the Clippers built around his playmaking, rebounding and toughness.
34 years old Westbrook, joins a Clippers core that has championship aspirations and includes his former Thunder teammate Paul George.
According to sources, Westbrook had previously discussed deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat, but the offer to compete for a championship and remain in Los Angeles played a significant part in his decision to choose the Clippers.
TheLos Angeles Lakerstraded Westbrook and a 2027 first-round draft pick to the Jazz as part of a three-team deal Wednesday. After a tumultuous season-plus with the Lakers, Westbrook took time to decompress and consider his possibilities. Westbrook embraced a sixth-man role for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, GM Justin Zanik, and coach Will Hardy told Westbrook that he would be welcomed to the team, but the organization was prioritizing and playing its younger players and would make no assurances on minutes or role size, sources said.
