According to Tomer Azarly at Clutch Points, point guard Russell Westbrook is expected to leave the Los Angeles Clippers during this free agency period as the veteran seeks more playing time elsewhere.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Azarly wrote, “League sources have told ClutchPoints that Westbrook is not expected to be in a Clippers uniform next season, with Russell reportedly looking at other options that would include opportunity and playing time. There have also been reports of the Clippers’ interest in point guards Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, which would reinforce the idea that they’re going to replace him.”
Last season, in his second year with the Clippers, Westbrook voluntarily stepped down from a starting spot to serve a role off the bench. This decision came after the Clippers started the year with a 3-7 record. As a result, Ty Lue replaced Westbrook with guard Terance Mann in the starting lineup on November 17, which proved beneficial as the Clippers ended the season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
However, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, the nine-time All-Star reconsidered his role as a sixth man, especially after the Clippers were eliminated by the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
“Westbrook played a career-low 22.5 minutes per game in the regular season. Despite playing stellar defense in the postseason, Westbrook’s offensive showing was the final glaring example of how much the team had moved on from his ideal style of play.” Murray noted, “It was hard for Westbrook to mask his displeasure with those state of affairs, and although Westbrook said he wants to run it back in whatever role is required of him next season, he has a decision to make.”
Westbrook averaged just six points per game in the Clippers’ 4-2 series loss against Dallas.
Now, with sources claiming that the nine-time All-NBA player is done with Los Angeles, what could be the next chapter in Westbrook’s illustrious career?
For Suns fans, there is certainly some hope that he ends up in Phoenix, especially considering their need for depth in the point guard position, which was severely lacking last season. The prospect of Westbrook reuniting with Kevin Durant on the court is certainly intriguing, as the two previously played six seasons together with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Russell Westbrook joining the suns to reunite with KD and gets his first ring in phoenix pic.twitter.com/qGqC1OaOal
— mo????????????️ (@easymoneyyMo) June 28, 2024
Westbrook makes so much sense for the Suns
NEED a Point Guard
Played with KD & Beal before
Booker loves Russ
Got the leadership and energy they desperately needInstant contender if they get him pic.twitter.com/vmmGEYWMf8
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) May 21, 2024
According to oddsmakers at Bovada, the Miami Heat are currently favored to land Westbrook if he ultimately decides to leave the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Suns hold the sixth-best odds, at +700.
