Russell Westbrook plans has completed a contract buyout and plans to join the Los Angeles Clippers, according to his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports. This comes after he completed a buyout in his previous deal with them which ended on July 1.
On Monday morning, Westbrook and the Utah Jazz officially completed a buyout on his remaining $47 million contract, allowing him to return home to Los Angeles with the Clippers.
Russell Westbrook plans Westbrook officially was released by his former teammates as announced by the league on Monday morning.
Sources reported the Clippers became increasingly interested in Westbrook after team officials, such as coach Ty Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, had multiple conversations with him.
These exchanges revolved around Westbrook’s willingness to fill a specific role with the Clippers that revolved around his playmaking, rebounding skills, and toughness, according to these sources.
Westbrook, 34, joins a Clippers core that has championship aspirations and includes his former Thunder teammate Paul George.
Westbrook had recently considered deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat; however, sources revealed that his desire to compete for a championship and remain in Los Angeles ultimately persuaded him to choose the Clippers.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Westbrook and a 2027 first-round draft pick to the Jazz in a three-team deal.
Following an eventful season with the Lakers, Westbrook took time out of his busy schedule to reflect and consider his options.
He eventually settled into a sixth-man role for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game over 28.7 minutes played.
On Friday afternoon, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, General Manager Justin Zanik, and coach Will Hardy informed Westbrook that they would welcome him back to the team; however, they stressed that they were prioritizing and playing their younger players and could make no guarantees regarding minutes or role size. According to sources,
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