NBA free agent guard Russell Westbrook agreed Saturday to a two-year, $7.8 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Westbrook, 34, likely received better offers elsewhere, but decided to take the massive paycut to remain in Los Angeles. The deal includes a player option to play beyond the 2023-2024 season and clears the way for him to return as the franchise’s starting point guard.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue on Westbrook signing: We want Russ to be Russ
Clippers secured Westbrook’s services with their $3.8 million non-Bird exception. The franchise has also been looking to upgrade their roster around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George via trades this summer.
James Harden is one of the names who could join the Clippers alongside Westbrook, whose stock fell after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
After a season and a half of playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Westbrook was traded at the February trade deadline to the Utah Jazz, who bought out the veteran point guard.
Russell Westbrook shines in playoffs
Clippers head coach Ty Lue took a chance on the former MVP and it paid off in bunches during their postseason run when Leonard and George were injured.
Westbrook averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 21 games for the Clippers. He shot a personal-best 48.9% from the field and 35.6% on three-point shots.
He helped the Clippers steal Game 1 on the road against the Phoenix Suns during their first-round series.
Westbrook then scored 30 and 37 points in Games 3 and 4 before the Suns won in five games.
