Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has re-signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Westbrook is signing a two-year, nearly $8 million contract with the Clippers.
Westbrook began the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was traded to the Utah Jazz at the February trade deadline and waived by Utah. The UCLA product joined the Clippers as a free agent and put up strong numbers, averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 21 games.
The Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Kawhi Leonard only played in Games 1 and 2 and Paul George missed the entire series, so Westbrook’s usage rate went up. The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 boards and 7.4 assists in the Suns series, but it wasn’t enough to help the Clippers win, as Phoenix won the series in five games.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
“One thing I do tell you is that I love it here,” Westbrook said late in the regular season about the Clippers “I love the people, just the fans overall embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know, end of the year, a lot of things have happened, but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here.”
Westbrook and George are close friends and Russ is from Los Angeles. Since the nine-time All-Star played well with the Clippers, the front office was interested in bringing him back and a deal was reached on the second day of free agency.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
“He’s played himself back into the Russ that he was,” George said of Westbrook late in the season. “That we all knew that he still has. … He brings so much to his team and I mean it’s amazing to watch him.
“I just think he’s the leader that we need at the point guard position going forward and would love to have him back.”
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