After completing a contract buy-back, nine times defending All-Star Russell Westbrook plan to sign with Laser cuttinghis agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, told ESPN.
With Westbrook and Utah Jazz completing the $47 million acquisition of his soon-to-expire contract, the former NBA MVP will return to Los Angeles — this time with the Clippers. He was officially dropped by the Jazz on Monday afternoon, the league announced.
Sources said the Clippers became increasingly interested in Westbrook as team officials, including coach Ty Lue and basketball executive chairman Lawrence Frank, delved into a series of conversations with Westbrook. Those discussions centered on Westbrook’s willingness to take on a clear and specific role with the Clippers built on his play, resilience and toughness, the sources said.
Westbrook, 34, joins the Clippers core team with championship aspirations and that includes his former teammate Thunder Paul George.
Westbrook discussed arrangements with Chicago bulls, Washington shaman And Heat Miami in recent days, but the chance to compete for the championship and stay in Los Angeles played a big part in his decision to pick the Clippers, sources said.
The Los Angeles Lakers Westbrook traded and selected the 2027 first-round draft for the Jazz as part of a three-team deal on Wednesday. After a tumultuous season with the Lakers, Westbrook took time to de-stress and consider his possibilities. Westbrook took over as the sixth player for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, GM Justin Zanik and coach Will Hardy told Westbrook on Friday they would welcome him to report to the team, but the organization is prioritizing and using players younger and would make no guarantees on minutes or role sizes, the sources said.
