Heading into the NBA offseason, it was uncertain what the market would be for future Hall-of-Famer Russell Westbrook once free agency got underway last week.
Although some speculated that Westbrook could be waiting for quite some time and potentially into the 2023-24 NBA season to find a team, the Los Angeles Clippers didn’t waste much time in bringing him back on a new deal.
On Friday, the Clippers made it official that they have re-signed Westbrook on a short-term deal, and he earned some praise from a member of the team’s front office.
According to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, Lawrence Frank said that the veteran guard was everything the team hoped he would be after they signed him for their playoff run.
Lawrence Frank on Russell Westbrook:
“In the two months Russ spent with the team, he was everything we hoped he would be and more. He made a huge impact on the court with his play and off it with the urgency, intensity, and professionalism he brings to the gym on a daily basis.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 7, 2023
If Westbrook was going to sign anywhere, the Clippers were the likely team to take a chance on him for next season and beyond, with the team needing some help in the backcourt.
Fortunately for this team in Los Angeles, Westbrook played well during his short stint with the Clippers last season, making this move not all that surprising and potentially a step in the right direction for a team that needs to turn the corner.
Although Westbrook is currently in the fold, the Clippers have been linked to trade rumors involving Damian Lillard and James Harden, who both play prominent roles in the backcourt.
It’ll be interesting to see if Westbrook’s return impacts trade talks involving Harden, who couldn’t find much success playing alongside the veteran with the Houston Rockets.
NEXT:
Clippers Fans Are Celebrating A Special Anniversary Today