The Clippers decided to bring back Russell Westbrook after he finished the best player in the previous league 2022-23 season with the team.
The 34-year-old guard penned a two-year, $7.86 million deal (second year is a player’s option), and took the biggest pay cut in NBA history.
Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank explained the decision to bring Westbrook back.
“In the two months Ross has been with the team, he has been everything we hoped he would be and more. He makes a huge impact on and off the field, with the urgency, intensity and professionalism he brings,” said Frank, via Aum Youngmisuk.
Last season, Westbrook averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 30.2 minutes over 21 regular season games for the Clippers. His numbers rose to 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 38.4 minutes over 5 playoff games.