“We Want To Bring Russell Westbrook Back”

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Russell Westbrook has had a tricky time discovering a everlasting residence within the NBA over the previous couple of seasons, but it surely seems to be like he might wish to settle in and get comfy with the Los Angeles Clippers.

After spending the primary 11 years of his profession with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Westbrook has bounced round since 2019. He spent one full season every with the Rockets and Wizards, and performed the entire 2021-22 marketing campaign along with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.

Russell Westbrook Is Needed Again With The Los Angeles Clippers

“We wish to being Russell again. It is an amazing instance of when you have got a belief in your partnership. T-Lue, PG, Kawhi advocated strongly for Russ. He brings an amazing vitality and spirit to the staff, across the constructing.”

Lawrence Frank on Russell Westbrook.

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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 27, 2023

However the two determined to half methods midway by way of Westbrook’s second season with the staff. He was inefficient, placing up a number of the worst numbers he ever had as an expert, and fell out of favor with what LeBron James and the Lakers have been attempting to perform. Simply earlier than the commerce deadline, the Los Angeles shipped him off to the Utah Jazz, with whom he reached a contract buy-out settlement and by no means suited up for.

It was unclear if there was a staff that may be prepared so as to add Russell Westbrook and the on-court baggage that he carries, and it didn’t appear to be there can be many title contenders that may come calling.

However that modified when the Los Angeles Clippers signed him by way of the remainder of the season, reuniting him with Paul George whom he performed with in OKC.

Clippers Have Critical Selections To Make Throughout Off-Season

“These guys are nice gamers, nice companions, and we wish to preserve them as Clippers for a very long time… The number one purpose is how can we construct a sustainable championship staff.”

Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard, Paul George’s potential $200M extensions.

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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 27, 2023

It labored out for each side. Westbrook began the ultimate 21 video games of the season for the Clippers, and his numbers improved barely in a unique function and with a unique staff. Los Angeles performed nicely sufficient down the stretch to carry on to the fifth seed within the Western Convention, however had the unlucky draw of assembly Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in Spherical 1.

Whereas most individuals pictured Westbrook being a short-term rental for the Clippers, it seems to be as if the staff might want him round for subsequent 12 months. When requested in regards to the level guard in his postseason press convention, Clippers common supervisor Lawrence Frank stated that “we wish to convey Russell again,” citing his vitality and spirit in direction of the staff this 12 months.

How lengthy may he keep? Westbrook will flip 35 subsequent season, and whereas he’s nonetheless explosive, he’s not the participant that deserves the huge contract. When he signed with the Clippers for the rest of 2023, the deal was value just below $800,000. Don’t be stunned to see him take a small pay reduce or low cost to stay at residence on a staff the place is lastly seems like he has a spot.