Report: Russell Westbrook Makes Free-Agency Decision

Russell Westbrook and the Clippers have reportedly reached an agreement which will keep the veteran point guard in Los Angeles for the next two seasons.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Westbrook and the Clippers agreed on a two-year, $8 million deal in free agency. The deal includes a player option for the second season, meaning Westbrook could re-enter free agency as early as next year.

Last season, the Lakers dealt Westbrook to the Jazz at the trade deadline following a tumultuous stint with the franchise. The veteran point guard reached an agreement on a buyout from Utah which then cleared the path for him to return to L.A. and sign for the Clippers. 

Westbrook featured in 73 games, 52 of which were for the Lakers. In 21 games with the Clippers, the 34-year-old averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 35.6% from three-point range. 

Wojnarowski indicates that Westbrook is expected to maintain the starting point guard position that he occupied late into the 2022-23 NBA season. After starting just three games for the Lakers, the nine-time All-Star started all 21 games he played for the Clippers.

In addition to the deal for Westbrook, the team has been reported to have interest in both Damian Lillard and James Harden. The Clippers also acquired KJ Martin in a trade with the Rockets on Saturday.