NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook begins conversation with LA Clippers
After Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz, many expected him to hit the buyout market in the following days. While no final decision has been made yet, the former MVP has begun speaking with other teams.
Shams Charania of The Atheltic recently reported that Westbrook has had conversations with the LA Clippers. They are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference, and could be looking to add more star power before the playoff push.
The Los Angeles Clippers have began conversations with Russell Westbrook, sources tell me and @LawMurrayTheNU. Clippers received permission to speak to Westbrook and talks have started among franchise officials.
Before being traded, Russell Westbrook appeared to have found his stride in a bench role. This might be one of the key reasons why the Clippers have reached out to him. In 49 games as the LA Lakers' sixth man, he averaged 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
Russell Westbrook has connections with the LA Clippers
There are multiple reasons why Russell Westbrook has spoken with the LA Clippers, but the main one is his connection to one of their stars. Before being traded to LA, Paul George played alongside Westbrook with the OKC Thunder.
During his time in OKC, Paul George was an MVP level player. In his final season with the team, he averaged close to 30 points per game. Knowing that he and Westbrook pair well together could be a major factor in a deal getting done. Reports have already come out that he has begun recruiting his former teammate to LA.
Paul George is recruiting Russell Westbrook to the Clippers, per @ramonashelburne https://t.co/YVO2MKlrE9
Another reason why Westbrook might be on the Clippers' radar is because they need depth at the point guard position. After shipping out John Wall and Reggie Jackson on trade deadline, they are thin in the backcourt. Bringing in an established guard like Westbrook could help fix that glaring weakness.
Looking at it from Westbrook's perspective, there might be motivation for him to join the Clippers as well. What better way to stick it to the LA Lakers than join the team the share a building with. It might also give him the opportunity to square off against the team that traded him on a big stage.
It remains undecided what is going to happen with Westbrook in Utah, but if he does get bought out, the Clippers seem like the frontrunner to land him.