Russell Westbrook didn’t last long as a free agent, as the guard agreed to a new two-year, $7.8 million deal to stay as a Clippers player in Los Angeles, his agent Jeff Schwartz reported Saturday.
The contract includes a player’s option immediately after the upcoming 2023/24 campaign, where he is expected to once again lead as the team’s starting point guard. The California franchise negotiated the largest pay cut in NBA history to keep the 34-year-old on its roster.
“One thing I can tell you is that I like it here,” the player told the press as his team was eliminated in the last qualifiers. “I love people, just the fans in general not only hugging me but my family and close friends. I know, at the end of the year a lot of things happened, but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here.”
Russell Westbrook has agreed to a two-year deal worth about $8 million with the Clippers, each @employee pic.twitter.com/cGNKu3bu3m
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023
This renegotiation provides the Clippers with the opportunity to upgrade their roster around Westbrook and teammates Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who have reportedly been keenly interested in deals with James Harden and Damian Lillard.
The veteran star admitted that he feels very happy after leaving the star-studded Lakers, where he excelled as one of the sixth-best players in the NBA. The purple and gold was his fourth team after 11 years representing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“A well-run organization from top to bottom,” Westbrook said of the Clippers during the exit interview. “He was in the league for a long time. You understand the value of the little things, the staff, and the people they have here to take care of your players day in and day out. It’s something I really noticed from day one.
“Not only that, but a happy, fun environment is something you don’t see everywhere. It’s a pleasure to come to work, to be with people who really enjoy their work, enjoy what they do. It’s trying to keep all of us as players, not only that, but making sure we have everything we need.” We need it to be successful.”
Coach Ty Lue and other Clippers players enjoyed working with Westbrook during their short three-month period together
Before Westbrook signed to Los Angeles during the All-Star break, Paul George reportedly campaigned for him, as both were great teammates when they were representing the Thunder.
“He played the Russians as he was,” George said two months ago. “We all knew he still had it. He brings a lot to his team and I mean it’s great to watch.
“I think he’s the leader we need at guard going forward and we’d love to bring him back.”
The veteran star went on to average 15.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 21 games, shooting career-highs 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from behind the arc as he had a defining role under coach Ty Lowe.
“I hope everyone just sees different teams,” his coach said after their elimination. “Different situations where the guys play differently in different locations. Hopefully the guys can see that Ross still has a lot in the tank… This has opened the eyes of a lot of teams, giving him a chance if he can get out there and really get paid. But I want him Will definitely come back.”