With a now-hiring sign on the LA Clippers’ bench, as well as at backup point guard, the front office will be taking a close look at guys with playstyles that provide both. The first name that rings a bell is Chris Paul, who will be a free agent this summer and could sign through the mid-level exception or veteran minimum.
However, Paul will not be the only guy executive Lawrence Frank will be studying. He will analyze the entire market, including those whose player or team options have been declined.
Additionally, the trade block has a few extra names for the Clippers’ front office to negotiate with contenders on players that will improve the rotation of head coach Tyronn Lue. In return, LA will have a majority of the roster in the portal with the exception of the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and of course, two-way center Ivica Zubac, who the front office considers untouchable, even for Kevin Durant.
Furthermore, one player who elected to decline his player option earlier this morning was Russell Westbrook, and the Clippers could bring him back for his tenacious energy, veteran experience, and gritty attributes.
With Russell Westbrook declining his player option, the LA Clippers could surprise many and bring him back
Though the LA Clippers eventually traded Russell Westbrook after his short-ended stint, he could re-join the organization after eliminating them in the postseason. This all makes sense, as both sides would benefit, and the former MVP was raised in Los Angeles.
This season, Westbrook recorded 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from a distance. These were exceptional numbers as a sixth man for the Denver Nuggets, who made it as far as the second round.
Moreover, Westbrook is similar in age to James Harden, and despite being an older guard, he was available for 75 games, as well as all but one in the postseason. He is the type of player who would fight for his team and play through an injury if need be, which is an underrated aspect of his game that the Clippers could use.
If willing, Westbrook could be signed on a veteran minimum, which would help the Clippers’ cap room out in a way words cannot describe. This would not be new to him, as his first contract with LA, on July 6th, 2023, was a prove-it deal.