LA Clippers have agreed to extend Russell Westbrook’s stay with the team in a two-year and $7.8 million deal, his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Basketball confirmed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.
The deal includes a player option after the 2023-2024 season for Westbrook, his agent revealed. The Clippers were interested to rope in Westbrook after his impressive run with the team.
In fact, Westbrook could not deliver the goods for Los Angeles Lakers along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis after a lot was expected of him. Westbrook was able to hit the ground running at the Clippers in the second half of the previous season.
“One thing I do tell you is that I love it here,” Westbrook said after the Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns in late April. “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 averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 21 games he played for Ty Lue’s side. He shot career highs of 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from behind the arc while playing for the Clippers.
When Paul George was ruled out with an injury, Westbrook helped Clippers in winning Game 1 against Pheonix Suns as he scored 11 rebounds. Furthermore, the Clippers suffered another blow when Kawhi Leonard was injured after Game 2. However, Westbrook scored 30 and 37 points in Games 3 and 4 respectively but his efforts went in vain as the Suns won in five games.
Paul George had earlier said that Westbrook played his old self for the Clippers.
“He’s played himself back into the Russ that he was,” George said in late April. “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.”
Westbrook will aim to deliver the goods for the Clippers in the next season of the NBA.
