LA Clippers Star Gets Honest About Russell Westbrook Trade

LA Clippers guard Terance Mann will miss Russell Westbrook

Jan 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Terance Mann (14) react after forward Kawhi Leonard (2) scores three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Clippers have officially announced a trade that sends Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz where he will be bought out before signing with the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook was a beloved teammate in Los Angeles, and will be missed as he begins this new chapter in Denver.

One of the players Westbrook was closest with on the Clippers was versatile guard Terance Mann. When Westbrook joined the Clippers, he spoke about Mann's development as one of the things he was most excited to help with, and he certainly did that.

"It’s very important [to me]," Westbrook said shortly after joining the Clippers when asked about helping Mann grow as a player. "... My job is to make sure I stay on him and continue to give him confidence… I’m just here to help and make sure I can be a springboard to him doing great things.

I asked Russell Westbrook about his role in Terance Mann’s development.

Russ: “It’s very important [to me]… My job is to make sure I stay on him and continue to give him confidence… I’m just here to help and make sure I can be a springboard to him doing great things.”

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 12, 2023

Speaking with reporters on Friday at the Clippers' brand new Intuit Dome, Mann got honest about Westbrook's departure, saying he will miss having the veteran guard on his team.

"I'm kinda sad that Russ isn't here to help me feed off the fans," Mann said. "I loved doing that with him. That was one of my favorite things. Just being able to make big time plays with Russ, and get the fans engaged, and his energy. So that's gonna be missed."

Terance Mann said he’s sad he won’t have Russell Westbrook alongside him at Intuit Dome pic.twitter.com/Fjg8fmoFVJ

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 19, 2024

Mann has been a fan of Westbrook since the nine-time All-Star entered the league, which is something he spoke openly about during Westbrook's time with the Clippers.

"It’s been amazing," Mann said last year of being teammates with Westbrook. "To be on a team with Russell Westbrook. I’ve been a big fan of his since he’s been in the NBA... Just being able to watch him lead and be great, it’s cool."

Terance Mann on Russell Westbrook: “It’s been amazing. To be on a team with Russell Westbrook. I’ve been a big fan of his since he’s been in the NBA... Just being able to watch him lead and be great, it’s cool.” pic.twitter.com/4R7179P7yX

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 6, 2023

Westbrook and Mann were an electric duo in their time together, and the Clippers guard was honest in admitting his former teammate will be missed.

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