Russell Westbrook plans to sign with Los Angeles Clippers: report

Former MVP Russell Westbrook intends to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after completing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Jazz and the nine-time All-Star finalized a buyout on the remaining $47 million owed on the deal. The team officially waived Westbrook on Monday, the league announced.

The move reunites Westbrook with former Oklahoma City teammate Paul George and adds another star on a roster that also includes two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. On Feb. 8, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Westbrook to Utah in a three-team deal — including the Minnesota Timberwolves — in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. Former Jazz guard Mike Conley was also sent to Minnesota in the deal.

Westbrook discussed deals with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat in recent days, according to ESPN. The former MVP’s addition to the Clippers fills a void at the point guard position. Currently, the team carries two point guards — Bones Hyland and Jason Preston — who lack experience and are unproven in the league. The Clippers sometimes relied on fourth-year player Terrance Mann as the primary ballhandler this season and traded backup Reggie Jackson at the trade deadline.

Westbrook’s time with the Lakers ended following a rocky tenure after arriving in Los Angeles in 2021. The trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook never meshed and the guard was relegated to a sixth-man role this season. The 15-year veteran averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds with the Lakers this season.