Report: Russell Westbrook Won't be Staying With Jazz

Russell Westbrook's time with the Utah Jazz was short lived.

The Russell Westbrook saga surrounding the Utah Jazz is coming to an end. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday morning that Westbrook is trending to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN," Wojnarowski reported on Twitter. 

After finalizing a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OjZ0Mkuz5x

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2023

The thoughts of the former MVP suiting up for the Jazz can finally be put to bed. There were reports that Westbrook was considering putting on a Jazz uniform, but with Utah focused on player development, it made more sense for the parties to go their separate ways.

Westbrook ends up being a big winner in the three-way trade as he’ll reunite with his ex-teammate Paul George. The Clippers have a real chance to make some noise in the postseason, led by George and two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

This also gives Jazz guards Talen Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton more opportunities for the remainder of the season. The pair has performed well since the departure of Mike Conley. 

'THT' has averaged 13.8 ppg while dishing out seven assists in Conley’s absence. The fourth-year pro has a player option of eleven million for 2023-24, and it remains to be seen if he’ll opt out and test the free-agent market this summer.  

Sexton needs the minutes to stake his claim to be the starting point guard of the future. Where things stand, there’s no competition for that job, but expect the Jazz to either draft or sign a free agent that could move Sexton back to the No. 1 option off the bench. 

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