Russell Westbrook is back with the Clippers.
On Friday, the Clippers made it official and announced that they have re-signed Westbrook.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it’s a two-year, $8 million deal.
“In the two months, Russ spent with the team, he was everything we hoped he would be and more,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. “He made a huge impact on the court, with his play, and off it, with the urgency, intensity, and professionalism he brings to the gym on a daily basis.”
Westbrook started the season with the Lakers but was traded to the Jazz in February; he was bought out by Utah and signed with the Clippers. The 34-year-old appeared in 21 games for the Clippers last season, averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 48.9% from the floor.
The 14-year NBA veteran has appeared in 1,094 games and holds career averages of 22.4 points, 8.4 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Clippers.
A Los Angeles native, Westbrook was the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player. He is a nine-time All-NBA honoree (two first-team selections), nine-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), two-time NBA scoring champion, 2012 Olympic gold medalist with the United States and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (198) and ranks ninth on the all-time assists list (9,162).
Westbrook played some decent basketball last season for the Clippers and will probably be the team’s opening-day starter at point guard.
Plumlee returns
The LA Clippers have re-signed center Mason Plumlee.
According to reports, it’s a one-year, $5 million deal.
Plumlee, 33, appeared in 23 games for the Clippers after a midseason acquisition from the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 7.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. The 7-foot center set career-highs last season in total points (857), rebounds (700) and FG% (68.0).
Originally selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Plumlee has appeared in 740 games with the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Hornets and Clippers, averaging 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 59.5% from the field. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native has also appeared in 65 career playoff games and was named to the 2013-14 All-Rookie First Team.
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