In the latest development of the Los Angeles Clippers offseason, point guard Russell Westbrook is looking for a trade from the team. Initially, it looked as though Westbrook would be a part of the team’s future, as he opted into his player option for the 2024-25 season. However, soon after reporting that, Shams Charania said that the Clippers are actively working on trades to move Westbrook.
Clippers Offseason: Westbrook Trade Rumors, George Update
This news comes shortly after the report that James Harden re-signed with the Clippers for two years, $70 million. It’s initially unclear if the trade talks are the Clippers’ desire, Westbrook’s, or something both parties mutually agreed to. If it’s the Clippers, then perhaps they believe that with Harden, Westbrook is no longer needed coming off the bench. Additionally, the Clippers just signed Kevin Porter Jr, further adding to their guard rotation. If it’s Westbrook, perhaps he’s tired of coming off the bench, and once again wants a larger role on an NBA team. Whatever the case, it’ll be interesting to see what they get in return for the 2017 former MVP. There haven’t been any suitors named for Westbrook yet, but it shouldn’t be too long before more info is released.
George Not Returning
We now have confirmation that George is not returning to the Clippers this offseason. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that George’s agent (Aaron Mintz) and the Clippers president (Lawrence Frank) had a conversation after free agency began that resulted in no new movement towards a deal, and a mutual understanding that George would likely sign elsewhere.
ESPN Sources: Paul George’s agent — Aaron Mintz of CAA — and Clippers president Lawrence Frank had a conversation a short time ago that resulted in no new movement on a deal and an acknowledgment by both that George is unlikely to return to the Clippers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
One of the reasons why George won’t re-sign with the Clippers is the contract structure. George and his agent want a four-year deal, while the Clippers only want a three-year deal. The Clippers’ reason for this is understandable. Kawhi Leonard has three years left on his deal, which means he and George would become free agents at the same time. If the team was doing well, ownership could re-sign them at the same time. If not, they could release them both into free agency or trade them, enabling a full-scale rebuild. However, the Clippers’ hesitance to commit to George longer-term may be the reason their team regresses to a rebuild sooner rather than later. The following is the team’s official statement on the matter:
Clippers’ statement on Paul George parting ways following a significant gap in contract talks, exploring an opt-in and trade scenario and excitement about new opportunities and greater flexibility under new CBA to field a “highly competitive team” moving forward: pic.twitter.com/Uajbail3Hk
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) July 1, 2024
Even without George, the Clippers offseason is far from over. Even with limited cap space, the Clippers have a $12.9 million Mid-Level Exception. With that, they could pick up a very solid rotation player. They also have a $4.7 million Bi-Annual exception to pick up a veteran on a limited salary.
