Adrian Wojnarowski reported that nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook is picking up his $4 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. Westbrook, who averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point range last season, will be back for another year with the team.
The Clippers have secured the services of Kawhi Leonard, who signed an extension, and now with Westbrook’s decision, they have added stability to their roster. However, the futures of Paul George and James Harden remain uncertain. Harden, a free agent, is one of the top guards available in the market and is likely to re-sign with the Clippers.
The situation with Paul George is more complicated. George has a player option and is seeking a four-year extension, but the Clippers are only willing to offer him a three-year deal, similar to the one Kawhi Leonard received.
Reports have linked George to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors. While the Sixers were interested throughout the season, they are now reportedly losing interest. On the other hand, the Warriors are prepared to offer George a four-year contract.
The Clippers finished the season with a 51-31 record, placing fourth in the Western Conference. They looked like genuine contenders until the All-Star break but faltered due to injuries and other issues. Their playoff run ended in the first round, where they were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
Westbrook’s decision to stay with the Clippers for another season adds depth and experience to the team. His performance last season, although not at his peak, still showed his ability to contribute significantly. The Clippers hope that with a healthy roster, including Leonard and potentially re-signed George and Harden, they can make a deeper playoff run next season.
Retaining Westbrook also means maintaining a veteran presence in the backcourt, which is crucial for a team with championship aspirations. The Clippers front office will continue to work on solidifying their roster, ensuring they have the right mix of talent and experience to compete at the highest level.
The Clippers Won’t Hesitate To Spend
Over the past three years, the Los Angeles Clippers have spent an astounding $365 million in luxury tax alone. Despite this hefty expenditure, the team has experienced only two first-round exits and a play-in tournament exit. Yet, the Clippers remain undeterred and are prepared to continue their significant financial outlay in pursuit of success.
Starting next season, the Clippers will move to the Intuit Dome, a state-of-the-art stadium that marks the end of their 25-year stint sharing the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers. This new $2 billion venue represents more than just a change of scenery; it symbolizes a fresh era for the franchise, one that owner Steve Ballmer is eager to usher in with a splash.
To fill this new arena with excitement and attract fans, the Clippers understand the importance of fielding a competitive, championship-contending team.
The PG-Kawhi Leonard era has been marred by injuries, severely hampering the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. Despite these setbacks, the Clippers are not backing down.
Ballmer, with his net worth of $132 billion, is the wealthiest owner in the NBA by a significant margin and has shown a consistent willingness to invest heavily in the team. His financial resources ensure that the Clippers can continue to pursue top-tier talent without much concern for the luxury tax implications.
With the Intuit Dome opening, the Clippers have a golden opportunity to make a strong statement. This could mean offering Paul George the four-year contract he desires or exploring other avenues to acquire another star player who can contribute to their title ambitions. The franchise’s willingness to spend reflects a commitment to achieving success and making a mark in their new home.
Ballmer’s deep pockets and unwavering dedication to the team’s success give the Clippers a unique advantage in the NBA. The upcoming season will be critical, and the Clippers are likely to pull out all the stops to ensure they can compete for a championship. Whether that involves retaining their current stars or making bold moves in the trade market, the Clippers are poised to spend whatever it takes to make their championship dreams a reality in their new state-of-the-art arena.
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