Russell Westbrook didn’t final too lengthy as a free agent, because the guard agreed on a brand new two-year, $7.8 million deal to stay as a Clippers participant in Los Angeles, because it was first knowledgeable by his agent Jeff Schwartz on Saturday.

The contract features a participant possibility proper after the upcoming 2023/24 marketing campaign, the place he’s anticipated to guide as soon as once more because the crew’s start line guard. The California franchise negotiated the most important pay reduce in NBA historical past to maintain the 34-year-old of their roster.

“One factor I do let you know is that I find it irresistible right here,” the participant advised the press as his crew was eradicated within the final playoffs. “I really like the folks, simply the followers general embracing not simply me however my household and shut mates. I do know, finish of the 12 months, quite a lot of issues have occurred, however I’m grateful. I positively love being right here.”

Russell Westbrook has agreed to a two-year deal price almost $8M with the Clippers, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/cGNKu3bu3m

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023

This renegotiation gives Clippers with the chance to improve their roster round Westbrook and teammate stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, because it has been reported that they’ve been displaying robust curiosity in dealing for James Harden and Damian Lillard.

The veteran star admitted to really feel very pleased after leaving the star-packed Lakers, the place he excelled as one of many best-sixth gamers of the NBA. The purple and gold was his fourth crew after 11 years representing the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

“A well-, well-ran group from prime to backside,” Westbrook mentioned concerning the Clippers throughout his exit interview. “Been within the league a very long time. You perceive the worth of the small issues, the workers, the folks that they’ve right here to care for the gamers day in and time out. It’s one thing that I actually observed since day one.

“Not simply that, however a cheerful and satisfying atmosphere is one thing that you simply don’t see in every single place. Comfortable to come back to work, being round folks that really get pleasure from their job, get pleasure from what they’re doing. That’s making an attempt to maintain all of us as gamers, not simply that, however ensuring we’ve got every thing we have to be profitable on the ground.”

Coach Ty Lue and different Clippers gamers loved working with Westbrook throughout their quick three-month spell collectively

Earlier than Westbrook signed for the Los Angeles squad in the course of the All-Star break, it was reported that Paul George campaigned for him, as they each had been nice teammates again once they represented the Thunder.

“He’s performed himself again into the Russ that he was,” George mentioned a few months in the past. “That all of us knew that he nonetheless has. He brings a lot to his crew and I imply it’s superb to observe him.

“I simply assume he’s the chief that we’d like on the level guard place going ahead and would like to have him again.”

The veteran star went on to common 15.8 factors, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 21 video games, taking pictures profession highs of 48.9% from the sphere and 35.6% from behind the arc as he had an outlined position below coach Ty Lue.

“I hope all people can see simply completely different groups,” his coach mentioned after they had been eradicated. “Totally different conditions the place guys play otherwise in several spots. Hopefully, guys can see that Russ nonetheless has rather a lot left within the tank … this has opened eyes for lots of groups, give him a chance if he can go on the market and actually receives a commission. However I would like him again for certain.”