The Los Angeles Clippers’ disappointing season is finally over. The Clippers now turn to the offseason, with the two biggest questions being whether head coach Tyronn Lue and point guard Russell Westbrook will return.
Russell Westbrook and the Clippers Have Mutual Interest; Who Are Other Potential Suitors?
Westbrook’s Tenure With the Clippers
Following Los Angeles’ 136-130 loss in Game 5 of the Western Conference to the Phoenix Suns last Tuesday night, Lue, under contract thru 2025, said he expects to be back with the Clippers next season. The Clippers entered the season with high expectations, as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were expected to play an entire season together finally. But that didn’t happen, as Leonard and George only played 38 games together this year.
Still, the Clippers secured the fifth seed with a 44-38 record. Russell Westbrook was the primary reason the Clippers reached the postseason after losing in the play-in tournament a year ago.
While the Clippers went just 11-10 with Westbrook in the lineup, they won 10 of their last 15 contests. Westbrook averaged 15.4 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds with the Clippers. He shot 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from beyond the arc, both personal highs if played out the entire season. Westbrook produced one of his best postseason performances, scoring over 20 three times while draining 35.7% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Upcoming Free Agency
Russell Westbrook signed a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Clippers following his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz and subsequent buyout. The 34-year-old point guard said he relished his time with the Clips.
“You know what, this will be probably my first time actually in my career being able to make a decision. One thing I do tell you is that I love it here. I love the people, just the fans overall, embracing not just me but my family and close friends. I know a lot of things have happened [this season], but I’m grateful. I definitely love being here.”
“As far as making a decision, I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. I don’t really know my process because it’s kind of my first time doing this. So we’ll see what happens.”
“We only have one goal, and that will be winning a championship.I think we have all the intangibles to be able to do so offensively and defensively. We can guard anybody when we’re all healthy and have a team full of healthy guys. I think we all understand that. I hope [Kawhi] and P understand that, as well.”
Clippers Salary Cap
With salary and luxury tax payments, the Clippers paid about $350 million this past season. That number expects to rise to $375 million this upcoming season, which isn’t for a full roster.
The Clippers have 13 players in the fold. Westbrook and Mason Plumlee are their only two free agents. They have an upcoming decision on Eric Gordon‘s nonguaranteed $20 million contract. Brandon Boston Jr and Jason Preston‘s deals are also nonguaranteed.
The Clippers also have to make a decision shortly on Leonard and George that will likely only swell their payroll. The Clips have already said they don’t intend to break up the duo, and both players are expected to sign extensions by the end of next season. The extensions are expected to cost the Clips at least $225 million.
“Kawhi’s a ceiling raiser,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in his end-of-the-season address. “When you study past NBA champions, they have a top-five guy on their team, and Kawhi has shown that when healthy, he can be the best player in the world. Paul is an eight-time All-Star now. So we’re going to continue to build around those guys and look for every which way [to improve around them].”
Despite their huge payroll/tax situation, for their part, the Clippers want to retain Russell Westbrook. However, they can only offer him between $3.8-$5.0 million as part of their tax-payer exception.
“He brings a great energy and spirit to the team, around the building,” the Clippers exec told Law Murray of The Athletic and other media members.
Los Angeles owns the No. 30 pick, from Milwaukee, in this year’s draft. Perhaps the Clippers can package their 2023 first-round draft choice with any players on expiring contracts to give them a little more cap relief. Marcus Morris Sr., Nic Batum, and Robert Covington are in the last year of their deals.
Westbrook’s Options
Other teams will be able to pay Westbrook more money than the Clippers. But who are the other teams that are actual options for the cantankerous guard?
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings are all interesting options and projects to have plenty of cap space. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Chicago Bulls are other intriguing prospects. Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are long shots.
The Thunder are the NBA’s up-and-comers with plenty of cap space. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the star, and the Thunder have others who can man the point. But Westbrook, who spent his first 11 years with the Thunder, would be an excellent fit beside or behind Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Hornets have plenty of talent. Can they stay healthy is the question? Westbrook would be an upgrade as the team’s backup point guard.
Do the Mavericks want Kyrie Irving back? If not, Westbrook would thrive alongside Luka Doncic.
The Kings are desperate, but Westbrook would be fun to watch alongside De’Aaron Fox. He would be an improvement over Davion Mitchell.
The Cavaliers, Bulls, and Timberwolves need a backup point guard. Meanwhile, the 76ers and Bucks are potential fits. However, only if James Harden and Khris Middleton depart from Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
