After a failed stint with the Purple and Gold, former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has just agreed to return to Los Angeles. This time, however, it’ll be as a member of the Clippers.
Last season, Russ played 21 games for the Clips where he made himself useful as a playmaker and ball handler next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. In his short time there, he made a strong impression and it’s why the franchise is set to bring him back on a team-friendly deal.
“Free agent Russell Westbrook has agreed on a two-year, nearly $8M deal to stay with the Clippers, agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. Deal includes player option. Clippers were eager to bring back 9-time All-Star after his late season run as starting point guard.”
Free agent Russell Westbrook has agreed on a two-year, nearly $8M deal to stay with the Clippers, agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. Deal includes player option. Clippers were eager to bring back 9-time All-Star after his late season run as starting point guard. pic.twitter.com/ycN4Mc6G1I
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
Westbrook impressed critics, especially during the postseason when he stepped u in the absence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. With averages of 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game on 48% shooting, Russell proved last season that he’s still got something left in the tank at 34 years old.
The big question for the Clippers now is if they can stay healthy and put it all together for a championship run next year.
Will The Clippers Add More Star Power To The Roster?
It’s no secret that the Clips have been connected to a number of big-name stars, ranging from Damian Lillard and James Harden to Joel Enmbiid. Harden isn’t the biggest fish in the pond this offseason, but his arrival to Los Angeles could be the final piece this Clippers team needs to make a meaningful playoff run.
The Westbrook signing, however, does make things more complicated for the franchise.
“I’m told that Westbrook is unlikely to be a first-wave signing in free agency, and it is uncertain whether or not Westbrook would be interested in a situation where he was on the same team with Harden again due to the on-ball dominance that the trio of Leonard, George and Harden would already undertake,” wrote The Athletic.
The entire basketball world is waiting to see how the offseason shakes up, and the Clippers are right in the middle of all the action. But even if they don’t make any significant roster changes, they can still compete for a title as presently constructed.
Hopefully, next season, good health and less load management will help them reach the height of their potential.
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