Wizards GM says Russell Westbrook rejected the thought of a possible commerce to Clippers earlier than becoming a member of Lakers

Russell Westbrook was all in favour of being traded to at least one Los Angeles staff — and one Los Angeles staff solely.

The Wizards despatched Westbrook to the Lakers this previous offseason as a part of a five-team trade, nevertheless it turns on the market might have been one other path out of Washington for the nine-time All-Star. In an interview with NBC Sports Washington’s Chris Miller, Wizards normal supervisor Tommy Sheppard declared that, whereas Westbrook did not demand a commerce, he did shut down any conversations about becoming a member of the Clippers.

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“I actually have to verify the file is straight on that,” Sheppard mentioned. “Russell truly by no means requested to maneuver on. He simply mentioned, ‘If I can get to the Lakers, that’d be one thing I’d like to do. If not, I will be again right here.’ I mentioned, ‘What in regards to the Clippers?’ He mentioned, ‘Hell no.’ So Russell was pleased being right here and we had been very grateful for him being right here.”

There’s some historical past between Westbrook and Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Westbrook reached out to Leonard within the summer season of 2019 about probably enjoying collectively, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, however Leonard known as Paul George, then a teammate of Westbrook on the Thunder, and instructed him that he would quite type a dynamic duo with him. The Clippers had been additionally linked to Westbrook in November 2020.

This time round, although, there was no curiosity on both facet. Westbrook had his eyes set on the Lakers, and buying Westbrook made little sense for the Clippers. They almost reached the NBA Finals final season, they usually possible wish to see what they’ve as soon as Leonard is absolutely recovered from a torn ACL.

Whereas Westbrook solely performed one season in Washington, Sheppard expressed a deep appreciation for what he did each on and off the ground.

“I am unable to say it sufficient that the footprints he put in right here, it was similar to when ‘Fact’ was right here earlier than that,” Sheppard mentioned. “When Paul Pierce got here by way of, his influence on this group prime to backside was profound and I am unable to thank Russell sufficient.”