After his tumultuous stint with the Los Angeles Lakers came to a close earlier this month thanks to a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz, it looks like Russell Westbrook is headed back to Los Angeles once again – but this time with a different team.
According to a report from NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Utah Jazz has completed Westbrook’s $47 million buyout and Russell Westbrook will now join the Los Angeles Clippers after he clears waivers.
“Once Westbrook and the Utah Jazz complete the buyout on the remaining $47 million owed on his expiring deal, the former NBA MVP will clear waivers and return to Los Angeles — this time with the Clippers,” Wojnarowski wrote at ESPN. “The Clippers became increasingly interested with Westbrook as team officials, including coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, dug into a series of conversations with Westbrook, sources said. Those discussions centered on Westbrook’s willingness to fit into a clear and specific role with the Clippers built around his playmaking, rebounding and toughness, sources said.”
It’s a big move in the league and the NBA world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
yes… ha ha ha … YES! https://t.co/Tgv0NUihzC pic.twitter.com/R7XDEa8FQZ
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 20, 2023
Russ stays in LA but with a new uniform https://t.co/yW2RaF6O62
— Five On The Floor 🎙️ (44-36) (@5OTF_) February 20, 2023
At the time of the buyout, Westbrook had $13.2M left on his contract.
He will sign for the prorated veteran minimum ($784,914 if signed on Wednesday).
The Clippers have added since the trade deadline:
Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland, Mason Plumlee and now Westbrook. https://t.co/MAqZI9k4Y3
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 20, 2023
The jokes are funny but Clippers just got 2x better by adding Russ. We’re talking about a 16/6/8 player at the end of the day https://t.co/PkjMS4fCgX
— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) February 20, 2023
Thank You Russ… this was the right decision https://t.co/ob2CCY6QNx
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) February 20, 2023
It will certainly be interesting to see how the former NBA MVP fits in with the Clippers.
[ESPN]
