Kofi Inkoom
Russell Westbrook has chosen to exercise his $4 million option and will be returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Despite earlier reports suggesting Westbrook might leave the team, he is now expected to don the Clippers’ uniform next season.
Last season, the 35-year-old guard mostly played as a substitute for Los Angeles, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
He shot 45.4% from the field, 27.3% from beyond the arc, and 68.8% from the free-throw line over 68 regular-season games, playing 22.5 minutes per game.
However, he struggled in the Clippers’ first-round playoff loss to Dallas, averaging just 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 26.0% from the field, 23.5% from three-point range, and 61.5% from the free-throw line in six games, playing 19.0 minutes per game.
According to Law Murray of The Athletic, despite Westbrook opting to stay with the Clippers, it’s unlikely he will remain with the team for the upcoming season. A trade seems probable.