Russell Westbrook was a valuable late-season addition for the Clippers in 2022-23.
Veteran point guard Russell Westbrook is returning to the LA Clippers on a two-year, $8 million deal, according to multiple reports.
Free agent Russell Westbrook has agreed to a two-year, approximately $8 million deal to stay with the Clippers, agent Jeff Schwartz @axelbasketball tells ESPN. The deal includes player’s option. The Clippers were eager to bring back the 9-time All-Star after a season-ending run as the starting point guard. pic.twitter.com/ycN4Mc6G1I
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 1 July 2023
AP Source: Austin Reeves and D’Angelo Russell are returning to the Lakers and the Bucks are keeping Brooke Lopez.https://t.co/sE2jIZ9sfD
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) 1 July 2023
Westbrook was a bright spot for the Clippers after he was purchased by the Utah Jazz following a midseason trade last year. He started the last 21 games for the Clippers and five of their playoff games in the team’s first round series loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Westbrook averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 48.9% shooting in 30.2 minutes per game for the Clippers, and averaged 15.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 7.5 apg overall for the season.
The dynamic point guard had struggled with the Lakers, shooting only 41.7% while out of the starting lineup before being traded to Utah. In LA, he reunited with Paul George, his former partner in Oklahoma City. George lobbied the front office to add a point guard.
Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (198) and ninth on the all-time assists list (9,162).
This report used information from The Associated Press.