It looks like Russell Westbrook will be on the Los Angeles Clippers for the upcoming NBA season. Fans will remember that the Clippers were unable to go deep into the playoffs and were eliminated from contention by the Dallas Mavericks.
Although they lost to the team that ended up making it all the way to the NBA Finals, there is no denying that the Clippers have a lot to work on if they wish to get to the level required to win an NBA championship. One should wonder what place Russell Westbrook has in those championship aspirations.
Russell Westbrook signed a 2-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers for $7.8 million
Many fans will know that Westbrook came to the Clippers from the Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook underwent a great deal of scrutiny for his play as a Laker and ended up joining the Clippers on a smaller contract in order to prove himself. After all, a 2-year contract worth less than $8 million is just about what a veteran in the league makes.
ESPN Sources: Nine-time All-Star G Russell Westbrook is picking up his $4 million option and returning to the Los Angeles Clippers. Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists a season ago. pic.twitter.com/p1sIeJy2tk
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Westbrook has opted into the final year of his contract and will be on the Clippers next season. Since he will be on an expiring deal, one should wonder if he will do more in order to prove that he still has value as an NBA star across the league. Much like Klay Thompson with the Warriors, this will be Westbrook’s moment to bet on himself.
Upon hearing that their team would be bringing back Westbrook for the upcoming NBA season, Clippers fans engaged in a debate regarding how they felt about Russ and what he could do for the team.
Clippers fans stand divided on bringing Russell Westbrook back
In all fairness, this was a move that the Clippers franchise has no control over. They are simply fulfilling their contract with Westbrook. While some fans are glad to hear that they will be getting Westbrook on the court for another season, there are also others who think that the Clippers would be better without him, “He deserves more than $4M.”
He deserves more than $4M
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) June 29, 2024
Bro had no where to go😭😭😭😭😭👀
— Jason (@jason23lake) June 29, 2024
Brodie staying home 💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/QubLsfigQX
— Lone Huntsman (@HuntsmanLone) June 29, 2024
Since the Clippers dealt with injuries to main stars such as Kawhi Leonard, next season might just be the last time that all of these stars share the court. Fans are left wondering how Westbrook will perform in what could potentially be the last season of his career with the Clippers.