Russell Westbrook exercising option to remain with Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook.

Former league MVP Russell Westbrook is exercising his 2024-25 player option to return to the Clippers, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As our player option decisions tracker shows, Westbrook will earn just over $4M next season. His contract is fully guaranteed. The deadline for player options for the 2024-25 season is June 29.

The 35-year-old guard primarily came off the bench last season for Los Angeles, averaging 11.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG and 1.1 SPG on .454/.273/.688 shooting in 68 regular season games (22.5 MPG). He struggled in the Clips’ first-round playoff loss to Dallas, averaging 6.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG and 1.2 SPG on .260/.235/.615 shooting in six games (19.0 MPG).

Either Westbrook was content to return to L.A., or he wasn’t confident he could exceed his $4M option as an unrestricted free agent. For what it’s worth, the veteran’s minimum for a player with Westbrook’s experience is projected to be just over $3.3M in 2024-25.

A Long Beach native who played two years of college ball at UCLA, Westbrook is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history, making nine All-Star and All-NBA teams throughout his 16-year career. He has led the league in points per game twice, assists per game three times, won All-Star game MVP twice, and was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team in 2021.

While he’s clearly past his peak, Westbrook still brings his trademark energy and tenacity anytime he steps on the court.

Marc Stein reported last week that Westbrook exercising his option might not preclude the Clippers from exploring other options at backup point guard. Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry are among the names who have been linked to L.A.

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