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The LA Clippers are among the teams interested in signing Russell Westbrook if he gets bought out by the Utah Jazz. The LA Lakers traded Westbrook to the Jazz in a three-team deal, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.
D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley will join the Purple and Gold, while Mike Conley Jr. and the Lakers' three future second-round picks will be traded to the Timberwolves as part of the deal. The Jazz will receive Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and a 2027 first-round pick from the Lakers.
Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes first reported the Clippers' interest in Westbrook.
LA Clippers could turn to Russell Westbrook to help resolve the point guard situation
The Clippers don't have a reliable starting point guard. John Wall and Reggie Jackson have both struggled to fill the role. Westbrook appears to be a legitimate option as a buyout candidate. His playmaking could come in handy for the team as they have a bevy of shooters on their roster that makes him a decent fit.
That wasn't the case with the LA Lakers, one of the worst shooting teams in the league. Westbrook thrived off the bench for the team but was often asked to move out of his comfort zone, which hampered his production over the last two seasons. His distribution skills could improve the Clippers' offense.
They are ranked 22nd on offense this season and 25th in assists. LA's two injury-prone superstars, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George have carried their offense all year. Westbrook has played with the latter before, while Leonard's versatility rules out a misfit between him, George, and Westbrook.
The spacing would allow Russell Westbrook to contribute as a scorer as well. Ty Lue's knack for finding suitable roles for players could also help the former MVP return to his All-Star caliber level play.
Reports suggest the LA Clippers will likely trade our buyout backup point guard John Wall, who they acquired before the start of the season. That makes Westbrook an ideal candidate to go after if he agrees to a buyout with the Utah Jazz.
The buyout seems like a likely scenario considering the point guard is on an expiring deal. The Jazz are committed to a rebuild, and Russell Westbrook doesn't have trade value around the league. The LA Clippers may have to act fast on their decision, with the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat rumored to be showing interest in signing Westbrook if he secures a buyout.
