The LA Clippers did a wonderful job of filling the gaps on their roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline. In need of an upgrade in the backcourt, the team acquired Bones Hyland from the Denver Nuggets and Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets. In search of a backup center for Ivica Zubac, the team acquired Mason Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets.
Already one of the deepest and most talented teams in the NBA, the Clippers just need better luck when it comes to player health. Eight different players have started double-digit amounts of games this season with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George missing 27 and 17 apiece.
That has led to Tyronn Lue having to constantly shuffle the team’s lineups on a nearly nightly basis. He is hoping that things will settle down more down the stretch as the Clippers look to cement their place inside the top three of the Western Conference standings.
Alas, there could be one more veteran added to the mix in the coming weeks. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Clippers have begun conversations with Russell Westbrook about joining the team. They received permission from the Utah Jazz to talk to Westbrook and his representatives.
Westbrook was traded to the Jazz from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a three-team deal ahead of the deadline that also included the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has been granted time from Utah to figure out what the next steps will be. They will accept him with open arms if he wants to remain with the franchise, but they were unable to guarantee him a significant role because they want to continue evaluating their younger players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & LA Clippers Updates
As a result, Westbrook could be joining his sixth team in four seasons in a matter of days. A buyout seems likely as he is canvassing the league for potential landing spots, with the Clippers being the first team to talk to him.
Paul George, who played with Westbrook for two seasons on the Oklahoma City Thunder, has already begun the recruitment process. Nicolas Batum has also thrown his support behind Westbrook joining the Clippers should he secure a buyout.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & LA Clippers Updates
While the Clippers are the first team to talk to Westbrook, they aren’t the only ones showing interest. The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the former MVP should he decide to move on from the Jazz.
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