The Los Angeles Clippers had many moving pieces heading into the offseason. As a result, the Clippers, coming off another disappointing season in 2023-24, probably knew they would have some tough decisions if things worked out the way they wanted with their top two free agents.
Before the start of free agency on Sunday night, the Clippers found out that two older veterans decided to exercise their player options. While it was probably not unexpected, the Clippers likely weren’t thrilled when P.J. Tucker ($11.5 million) and Russell Westbrook ($4.03 million) exercised their options.
Westbrook, who saw his role reduced the past two seasons, returned to the Clippers on Saturday. Now, after James Harden agreed to a two-year, $70 million deal earlier today, the 35-year-old finds himself on the trading block, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Clippers also agreed to a two-year contract with Kevin Porter Jr, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Porter was suspended all of last season by the NBA after reaching a plea agreement in a disturbing domestic assault case. He appeared in six games for PAOK BC this past season, compiling 22 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
Porter had two excellent seasons in Houston before missing all last season.
Charania added that Porter had multiple suitors before choosing the Clippers.
Clippers Looking To Move Veteran Point Guard After Signing A Pair Of Point Guards, Former NBA Champion Interested
Westbrook has been a true pro since landing with the Clippers following a failed stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2016-17 NBA MVP was extremely valuable last year, serving as Harden’s backup. The Clippers were 45-23 in the 68 games Westbrook played and just 6-8 in games where the 6-4 point guard missed.
Westbrook averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, with shooting splits of 45.4/27.3/68.8%. He posted eight double-doubles and one triple-double while finishing seventh in the 6th Man of the Year voting. However, the Clippers’ first unit struggled in the 75 minutes that Westbrook was paired with Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.
Westbrook also was a disaster in the 2023-24 playoffs, which saw the Clippers dispatched in six games by the No. 5 seed Dallas Mavericks in the opening round. Westbrook totaled 6.3 points on 26% shooting from the field and 23.5% from beyond the arc in 19.0 minutes versus the Mavs. He also doled out just 10 assists and committed 10 turnovers in the postseason.
With Porter and Harden in the fold with the Clippers, their backcourt becomes very crowded. The Clippers have 11 players on standard contracts with salaries totaling about $153.7 million.
While the Clippers’ next move is uncertain, they won’t have George back next season.
The Clippers released a statement Sunday evening announcing that George told them he will play for another team.
Denver Making Room For Westbrook
Westbrook may be running out of time as an NBA player, but it appears he will get one more chance to have a significant role. Multiple reports indicate that the Denver Nuggets want to add the 16-year veteran. The Nuggets dumped Reggie Jackson to Charlotte a couple of days ago for three future second-rounders.
Plus, it doesn’t look like Denver will be able to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Nuggets have 11 players on the roster and a payroll of $168.9 million.
Here is what Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports said about the Nuggets and KCP:
Unfortunately, writing a blank check, while certainly appealing to Caldwell-Pope, is not in the best interest of the Nuggets competitively. The second tax apron, a new stipulation agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, isn’t just a financial burden, but a competitive one. The Nuggets will not be able to make competitive trades if they are over the second apron. They will not be able to use the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception in free agency. Even their first round draft pick in 2032 will be “frozen” if they finish the end of the 2024-25 season over the second apron, meaning they cannot use it in future trades. If they stay above the second apron in three of the next five seasons, that 2032 first round draft pick will be automatically sent to the end of the first round, regardless of Denver’s record.
