Clips, Westbrook agree on 2-year, $7.8M deal

Free agent guard Russell Westbrook has agreed on a brand new two-year, $7.8 million deal to stick with the LA Clippershis agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Basketball informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.

The deal features a participant possibility after the 2023-2024 season for Westbrook, Schwartz mentioned, and clears the best way for him to return because the franchise’s place to begin guard. The Clippers have been desperate to deliver again the nine-time All-Star after his productive post-trade deadline run as a starter.

The Clippers have been solely capable of provide the previous MVP the $3.8 million non-Chook exception, however the Los Angeles native discovered a house with them within the second half of the season after a brief however rocky tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“One factor I do inform you is that I find it irresistible right here,” Westbrook mentioned after the Clippers have been eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns in late April. “I like the folks, simply the followers general embracing not simply me however my household and shut buddies. I do know, finish of the 12 months, plenty of issues have occurred, however I am grateful. I positively love being right here.”

The Clippers have been seeking to improve their roster round Kawhi Leonard and Paul George by means of commerce this summer time. Along with having curiosity in a possible deal for James Hardenthe Clippers are additionally among the many groups desirous about exploring a deal for Damian Lillardsources informed Wojnarowski on Saturday.

Westbrook exceeded all expectations after his tenure with the Lakers fell in need of expectations when he teamed up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Following a season and a half with the Lakers, Westbrook was traded on the February deadline to Utah, which purchased him out.

George vigorously campaigned for the Clippers to signal his former Oklahoma Metropolis teammate as soon as he turned a free agent. With George, Leonard and head coach Ty Lue all vouching for Westbrook, the Clippers signed him through the All-Star break.

With a job clearly outlined by administration and Lue, Westbrook averaged 15.8 factors, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 21 video games. He shot profession highs of 48.9% from the sphere and 35.6% from behind the arc in his restricted time with the Clippers.

With George out as a result of harm, Westbrook helped the Clippers steal Recreation 1 in Phoenix with 11 rebounds, 5 approaching the offensive glass, and a key cease late within the win regardless of taking pictures 3-for-19 and ending with 9 factors. When Leonard was misplaced for the collection with a torn MCL following Recreation 2, Westbrook scored 30 and 37 factors in Video games 3 and 4 earlier than the Suns received in 5 video games.

With the Clippers suffering from accidents to Leonard and George ever for the reason that duo joined forces in L.A. through the summer time of 2019, Westbrook provides the franchise one thing it sorely wants — availability. Leonard performed in 52 video games final common season whereas George performed in 56 earlier than struggling a sprained proper knee that knocked him out for the rest of the marketing campaign.

“He is performed himself again into the Russ that he was,” George mentioned in late April. “That all of us knew that he nonetheless has. … He brings a lot to his group and I imply it is wonderful to look at him.

“I simply suppose he is the chief that we want on the level guard place going ahead and would like to have him again.”

Lue mentioned he felt validated after Westbrook’s play within the first spherical.

“I hope everyone can see simply totally different groups,” Lue mentioned after the Clippers have been eradicated in Recreation 5. “Totally different conditions the place guys play in a different way in several spots. Hopefully, guys can see that Russ nonetheless has loads left within the tank … this has opened eyes for lots of groups, give him a chance if he can go on the market and actually receives a commission. However I need him again for certain.”

Westbrook, 34, was joyful along with his change of surroundings and raved in regards to the Clippers, his fourth group since spending his first 11 seasons in Oklahoma Metropolis.

“A properly, properly ran group from prime to backside,” Westbrook mentioned in April. “Been within the league a very long time. You perceive the worth of the small issues, the employees, the folks that they’ve right here to deal with the gamers day in and day trip. It is one thing that I actually seen since day one.

“Not simply that, however a cheerful and pleasing setting is one thing that you do not see all over the place. Comfortable to return to work, being round folks that truly get pleasure from their job, get pleasure from what they’re doing. That is making an attempt to maintain all of us as gamers, not simply that, however ensuring now we have all the pieces we have to be profitable on the ground.”