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Russell Westbrook, Clippers Expected To Part Ways

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated 5/4/24

It’s safe to say Russell Westbrook did not have a good series in the Clippers’ first-round playoff loss to the Mavericks. And now, Westbrook and Los Angeles could part ways, per NBA insiders Sam Amick and Law Murray of The Athletic.

Westbrook, 35, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. As we relayed here, the Clippers very well could decide between Westbrook and fellow reserve guard Bones Hyland, using the salary of one to perhaps seek help at another position.

“Westbrook’s role took on a different spotlight when he was lost to a fractured hand in March, a period that saw the Clippers go 6-6 and lose five straight games at home,” Amick and Murray wrote. “But upon Westbrook’s return, the Clippers went on a stretch where they won seven of eight games, culminating in the future Hall of Famer’s lone triple-double of the season while starting in place of Harden at Phoenix.

“Even when Westbrook saw success after his return, he often mentioned how he felt he could play more, and he did not speak to reporters at any point after the regular season ended. Does the nine-time All-Star and former MVP want to continue in this kind of limited role while playing on a veteran’s minimum deal, or might he have played his way into a better opportunity elsewhere?

“Considering the challenges that came with him being relegated to a reserve role, with team and league sources indicating that the process was far more challenging behind the scenes than team officials had made it appear publicly, the answer may very well be the latter.”

Meanwhile, the Clippers will also have a decision to make on free agent forward Paul George, repeatedly linked to the 76ers already. LA is believed to want to keep George and not allow him to get too deep into NBA free agency.

“However, the Clippers may not have a choice and be forced to pay George a max contract or risk losing him as he’s expected to command significant interest on the free agent market, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic already being linked to the versatile forward,” wrote Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “One scenario the 76ers have envisioned this offseason is a trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and George, league sources told HoopsHype. However, some around the league wonder if George would be willing to relocate across the country to the colder weather and if the Sixers will be used as potential leverage during free agency negotiations.”