#News Update: Los Angeles Clippers Interested in Signing #RussellWestbrook

Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in signing former MVP Russell Westbrook after the Utah Jazz purchased his contract. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Westbrook is expected to clear waivers and sign with the Clippers once his buyout is complete, according to reports.

Wojnarowski believes the Clippers have a "clear vision" for their point guard position, and Westbrook could play an integral role in it. This would enable them to compete with the best in the Western Conference.

Trade

On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Clippers completed a trade with the Utah Jazz to acquire Russell Westbrook. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, they received two players in return: a 2027 first-round pick and 2020 second-round pick.

The Clippers are in need of a point guard after trading Reggie Jackson and John Wall at the deadline. It makes sense for them to add an experienced veteran, as their offense had been struggling (with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the court more).

However, there are some concerns with this move. It could be risky to add a veteran player with such an intense personality to the Clippers' lineup, and it remains uncertain how Westbrook will fit into their offense.

Westbrook could start off the bench or come off, depending on their options. If that's the case, then the Clippers must give him plenty of minutes to get comfortable on offense.

This can be a risky move for the Clippers, but it could prove advantageous in the long run. It could make them even more formidable opponents in the Western Conference.

The Clippers have been improving of late, winning 10 of their last 14 games and climbing to fourth place in the Western Conference. But that doesn't guarantee they'll be contenders at this moment as they still struggle with defense issues and lack of depth on offense.

Westbrook's presence during this stretch does not seem necessary. He has been effective off the bench, yet hasn't been able to contribute in meaningful minutes for Los Angeles. For that reason, adding him isn't a great idea.

On the other hand, Westbrook has been an impressive defensive player throughout his career and should fit perfectly with coach Doc Rivers and his style of play. It will be interesting to see how Westbrook fits in with the Clippers and if he can help them become contenders.

Signing

ESPN reported that nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook will join Paul George in Los Angeles after completing his buyout with the Utah Jazz. Once he clears waivers and completes his buyout, Westbrook is expected to sign with the Clippers, per ESPN.

Westbrook averaged 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game this season; however he was also criticized for his defense and inefficient shooting.

Los Angeles Clippers had been in need of a point guard since the start of this season. At the trade deadline, they retooled their rotation by trading Reggie Jackson, John Wall and Luke Kennard for Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee.

Westbrook will give the team a speedy, attacking point guard. Ty Lue wants someone who can create easy baskets for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard - something they haven't had much of this season.

Unfortunately for the Clippers, their team chemistry has been weak in recent months. While Westbrook may help them overcome this obstacle during the playoffs, it appears likely they won't be enough to secure an NBA Finals berth.

Westbrook is an impressive scorer, but his lack of jump shot and inability to recognize how his shooting can negatively affect a team's defense can cause major issues for them. Furthermore, his ineffective leadership could potentially erode locker room chemistry.

Last season, the Clippers struggled with John Wall and ultimately decided against signing him. If they wanted a true point guard, why trade for Eric Gordon and Bons Hyland?

If the Clippers want to increase their chances of winning a championship, they must find a way to part with Paul George. Doing so would provide them with valuable assets for retooling around Kawhi Leonard and the rest of their roster in free agency next summer. However, if they cannot do that, signing Westbrook may prove counterproductive for them.

Performance

Russell Westbrook is a veteran point guard with impressive experience and talent who could have an immense effect on the Los Angeles Clippers. Not only would he bring stability and leadership to the team, but his ability to distribute the ball more effectively would ultimately improve their performance as a whole.

Westbrook not only has a strong floor game, but he's an outstanding shooter who can contribute on both ends of the court. Westbrook also boasts plus-rebounding for his size, meaning he can add physicality on the glass that could enhance Los Angeles Clippers defense when used in a switchable scheme.

Westbrook is in his 34th year and still ranks among the top 75 players when it comes to his peak scoring, assists and rebounds per game this season. Although his shooting percentages are lower than previous seasons, that doesn't guarantee he won't be an effective addition for the Clippers moving forward.

Westbrook has the potential to break into the top-five point guard position for the first time in his career, and with the Clippers in a position to build their roster around him while giving him an opportunity to start, Westbrook may have the best chance at making a name for himself in basketball - though that opportunity comes with its own risks too.

Westbrook has struggled with his off-ball play throughout his career. He prefers passing the ball rather than cutting to the rim, which has caused him to lose some defensive effectiveness when playing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard or Paul George.

Westbrook often finds himself caught on the perimeter in the paint, where he's an unfavorable matchup for most teams. This could prove problematic in his new role as the Clippers cannot afford to put him in situations that actively hinder their on-ball defense.

Westbrook could serve as an option for Lue in the early stages of games, providing him with more speed and aggression on offense. He could also act as a decoy to other teams' big men, giving them extra time to switch on the wings. That would be an excellent way to re-energize your team during tough moments and keep them engaged throughout contests.

Impact

The Los Angeles Clippers made a bold move by signing Russell Westbrook. The veteran point guard is known for his relentless play on the court, making him an ideal fit for their offense.

But is Westbrook the right player for the Clippers' defense, too? This franchise hasn't ranked among the top 10 in defensive efficiency this season and Westbrook doesn't seem to thrive without possession of the ball.

He is an unwilling screener, which could prove problematic for the Clippers when Kawhi Leonard and Paul George rely on mismatches around the perimeter. Additionally, he's a poor jump shooter - making just 32 percent of midrange attempts and 29 percent of threes per Cleaning the Glass.

That's a lot to ask of a 34-year-old guard, and some experts have even doubted if Westbrook can truly make the Clippers his new home. Nonetheless, here is one reason why some experts remain optimistic: his presence will allow the team to win again without him.

Though it's too soon to say for certain, the Clippers appear to be taking a risk here. If they want to be considered one of the Western Conference playoff contenders, this move must succeed.

If Westbrook proves to be a successful addition for the Clippers, they could improve upon their record from last year. But if it turns out that making this move wasn't the best idea, it will prove costly both to them and their front office.

The decision to bring in Westbrook will have an immense effect on the Clippers roster, including their bench. Head coach Tyronn Lue must decide how best to utilize Westbrook, if at all.

Westbrook was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate during his time with the Lakers, often seen coming off the bench. But Lue envisions him as more of a small forward in the future - so that he can fill in when other Clippers stars need breaks.

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Blake Griffin make up a formidable lineup for the Clippers, but they still lack one important piece: a point guard to play alongside these two superstars - which is why they sought out Westbrook in the first place.