One NBA writer believes the Los Angeles Clippers will need to trade for a point guard this summer since Russell Westbrook becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Since the Clippers signed Westbrook to a one-year, minimum deal this season, the franchise can only pay the future Hall of Famer 20% more than that next season. Westbrook played well with the Clippers, so he will likely command more money than the Clippers can offer in free agency, which means LAC will likely need a new floor general, per Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.
“Chris Paul should be gettable, but he’d give the aging and injury-prone Clippers yet another fragile veteran,” Hughes wrote. “Doubling down on health risks might be a bad bet in light of the way injuries to Leonard and George have prevented the team from reaching its ceiling for four straight seasons. Then again, if it’s upside the Clippers seek, Paul would provide more of that than the likes of Terry Rozier and Spencer Dinwiddie, two other potential trade targets.
“However the Clippers manage it, they must find a lead guard to run the offense alongside and in relief of Leonard and George. And if Westbrook bolts, the need will only be more glaring.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leoanrd only played in the first two games before suffering a knee injury, while All-Star small forward Paul George missed the entire series with his own knee ailment.
Westbrook averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists versus the Suns. The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles improved his stock around the league after playing poorly with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
George and Westbrook are close friends, so PG-13 will likely try to convince Russ to stay with the Clippers. If Westbrook leaves, though, LAC has to make a trade and get a veteran point guard who can score, pass and run a team at a high level.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
