Russell Westbrook (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Depending on how things work out in the following weeks, LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook may need to go. Westbrook’s tenure with the team may end after the team’s first-round playoff elimination, even though he took a salary cut to continue with them this season.
After the Clippers’ Game 6 defeat to the Mavericks on Saturday, veteran reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed in a story that there was more behind closed doors regarding Westbrook’s demotion to a supporting role.
Because of this, there have been rumors that the former MVP would try to get a more significant position on a different team. Naturally, in the last year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, Russell Westbrook will have to decide between a player option this season.
If he chooses to participate, he will get just over $4 million for the 2024–25 season. However, if he opts out, he can sign with any team of his choosing as an unrestricted free agency. According to Spotrac, Westbrook’s player option has a June 29 deadline, giving him precisely eight weeks to decide.
Russell Westbrook Is Looking for Better Opportunities if He Decides to Leave the Clippers
Given that James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have contracts, Russell Westbrook may still choose to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, but it’s up in the air. Furthermore, the Clippers’ roster may undergo significant changes this coming season, given that Paul George is currently without a contract deal.
In light of this, the franchise may allow Russell Westbrook to opt out of his contract and sign a new deal with a higher salary, satisfying him and providing him with a more significant role. Naturally, that would only happen if they let Paul George go, something that owner Steve Ballmer might not be willing to do.
But if Westbrook goes, a few clubs can afford to spend money and need a point guard. First of all, given the Heat Culture of the franchise, Westbrook’s challenging play and outstanding work ethic would be a perfect match in Miami. Meanwhile, if one keeps searching in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers are another team that immediately comes to mind.
