An anonymous member of the Los Angeles Clippers told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that it was “important” to re-sign Russell Westbrook and Mason Plumlee. Both veterans were unrestricted free agents and quickly signed new deals with the Clippers.
“We felt like we found a nice groove after we added Russell and Mason,” the anonymous member of the Clippers said. “So, it was important to us to bring them back. They are both great fits with our roster and how we hope to play.”
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 after getting waived by the Jazz and averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 21 games with Los Angeles.
The Clippers faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Kawhi Leonard only played in Games 1 and 2 and 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, Mason Plumlee & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Clippers acquired Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets at the February trade deadline. The big man averaged 7.5 points and 6.9 rebounds in 23 games with Los Angeles. The Clippers have made Ivica Zubac available in trade talks so they can give Plumlee more minutes next season, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Plumlee has career averages of 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Hornets and Clippers. He’s a strong rebounder and rim protector.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Mason Plumlee & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Along with Zubac, the Clippers are trying to trade Marcus Morris and Norman Powell. James Harden wants to get traded to the Clippers by the Philadelphia 76ers. The 10-time All-Star opted into his 2023-24 player option and is working with the Sixers to get traded.
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