LA Clippers: 3 reasons not to trade for Russell Westbrook

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets is stretched out by a trainer before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Reason 3 the LA Clippers shouldn’t trade for Russell Westbrook: Durability

This reason sort of circles back to reason number one. Westbrook has some durability concern, which again, is an issue I have with paying him so much for so many years.

Westbrook has had multiple knee surgeries after tearing his meniscus. Oddly enough, the injury was caused by Patrick Beverley and the two of not gotten along since.

This season, Westbrook had a quad injury that kept him out of the start of the postseason.

You may look at his games played over the past few years and say “that doesn’t seem like an unusual amount of time to miss” and you would be right. Still, there is cause for concern, especially when dealing with $40+ million.

Knee injuries have a way of cropping back up and while it may not be an issue now, trading for someone who already has an injury history is extremely risky. Sure, some players can adapt but Russ’s game doesn’t seem to be one of those that can. As I already mentioned, he’s a poor shooter from deep and if he loses that athleticism, it’s going to be hard for him to still be as effective of an NBA player as he is now.

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