Russell Westbrook signs with the Clippers

After finalizing a buyout with the Utah Jazz, point guard Russell Westbrook signs with Clippers

With Westbrook landing spots going all over the place, it has finally come to an end. Westbrook has finalized a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz and will now sign for the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OjZ0Mkuz5x

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2023

The drama has finally come to an end. Westbrook has finally found a home in Los Angeles and it’s not the Lakers. Westbrook will join fellow star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in L.A. Utah will be buying out Westbrook’s $47 million contract in order for him to sign with the Clippers.

NBA Trade Grades: Lakers, Jazz, Timberwolves complete 3-team swap

The Jazz traded for Westbrook in a three-team deal before the NBA trade deadline. In that trade, the Jazz received Westbrook, a 2027 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers, Damian Jones and Juan-Toscano-Anderson. The Lakers received D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves received Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and three second-round picks from the Jazz and Lakers.

The 34-year-old guard will be a core piece of the Clippers championship hopeful roster this season. As of right now, the Clippers sit at fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 33-28. The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will have their next meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

LA Story: How the Lakers and Clippers improved at the 2023 trade deadline

Before he signed with the Clippers, Russell had a few landing spots, assuming the Utah Jazz would buy his contract out. The few teams that emerged as potential Westbrook suitors were the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls, according to Wojnarowski. All teams who were looking to ship off players at the NBA trade deadline.

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