Russell Westbrook EXPENSIVE for Clippers, latest on All-star’s trade news
Russell Westbrook's Future with Los Angeles Clippers in Doubt Due to Salary Constraints
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Russell Westbrook (image via Getty Images)
According to a recent Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus report, the veteran point guard Russell Westbrook’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers may be in doubt because of financial restrictions. While Westbrook performed admirably off the bench for the Lakers and the Clippers throughout the playoffs, he is not currently under contract with the Clippers and may seek opportunities elsewhere.
Due to their massive payroll and incoming rule changes, the Clippers are reportedly only capable of offering Westbrook 120% above the minimum salary. As a result, they won’t have their taxpayer mid-level exception, which has a $5 million starting salary.
Westbrook could potentially re-sign with the Clippers and wait for early Bird rights to pay in the $12 million range in 2024. However, Pincus suggests that Westbrook may instead seek opportunities on a team with cap space or a non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is roughly $12.2 million.
“(The Clippers) are capable of paying him just 120 percent above the minimum,” Pincus wrote. “Given L.A.’s massive payroll and incoming rule changes, the team won’t have its taxpayer mid-level exception ($5 million starting salary). Westbrook could re-sign and wait a year for early Bird rights that could pay in the $12 million range in 2024. Instead, look for Westbrook to seek an opportunity elsewhere on a team with cap space or a non-taxpayer mid-level exception (roughly $12.2 million).”
The Bulls, Hornets, Timberwolves, Knicks, Trail Blazers, Raptors, Wizards, and Nets are just a few of the teams that Pincus named as prospective bidders for Westbrook. If Westbrook decides to go on, these teams may have the cap room to make a move for him. Pincus does point out that the 34-year-old guard could not be as attractive to cap-space teams.
Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in 73 games combined with the Clippers and Lakers, shooting 44% from the field and 31% on 3-pointers. While he had a strong showing with the Clippers in the playoffs, the Suns ultimately eliminated the team in five games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Related: Skip Bayless calls Russell Westbrook UNDESERVING of a ring if Lakers win 2023 NBA title
Potential Impact on the Clippers if Russel Westbrook Leaves
It could significantly impact the team’s future if Russel Westbrook chooses to leave the Clippers. While Westbrook was only with the Clippers briefly, he was a key contributor off the bench and provided valuable veteran leadership to the team. Losing him would likely create a hole in the team’s rotation that must be filled.
As the prospect of Westbrook’s departure looms over the Clippers’ point guard position, the need to seek alternative solutions becomes apparent. One possible move of pursuit could involve the re-signing of Reggie Jackson, who, like Westbrook, will be a free agent this offseason. Alternatively, they could explore the free agency or trade market for other options.
The Clippers’ future hinges heavily on Westbrook’s decision. Any potential fallout from his departure would require a wise approach toward roster construction, considering their championship aspirations for the upcoming season.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)