After opting out of his contract with the Utah Jazz, nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Westbrook will be reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Paul George and Kawhi Leonard after signing a release from his former employer.

The Clippers are searching for a traditional point guard to replace Terrance Mann, and Westbrook fits perfectly within their system. He also brings experience and talent that could help boost their performance levels.

1. Clippers re-sign Westbrook

Russell Westbrook, who had been rumored to be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for the Utah Jazz, is set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Westbrook, 34, he wants to compete for another championship and stay in his home town of Los Angeles while staying with his family.

The Clippers have been busy this offseason, trading for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Westbrook's addition could help them win a championship as he reunites with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates - including Paul George who actively sought him out to join their squad.

Westbrook had been averaging a career-low 15.9 points per game this season, but the Clippers expect him to receive more responsibility on the court. His role will likely be similar to what he had with the Lakers this year; he'll see plenty of action off the bench while playing mostly on perimeter in addition to being an effective scorer when given possession.

Westbrook has had a difficult year, yet he remains one of the premier point guards in the NBA. His ability to create his own shot and make plays for himself on the court are undeniable, and he never hesitates to get into the paint and help defend against opponents.

In addition, he's an excellent passer who can get the ball to his teammates when they need it most. His drive and ability to draw defenders into the paint fits perfectly with the Clippers' style of play.

Westbrook is averaging 3.5 turnovers per game this season, which does not rank among the top 10. Additionally, he has shown an affinity for shooting three-pointers when open which may not be what the Clippers are looking for.

Lawrence Frank, the team's president of basketball operations, has repeatedly stated that they prefer trading for players based on their skills rather than rigid positional definitions. Additionally, he stated that while they don't need a point guard, someone who can defend multiple positions and attack defensive closeouts with drives while shooting the ball would be more successful.

2. Clippers re-sign Westbrook to a one-year deal

Los Angeles Clippers have announced the re-signing of Russell Westbrook to a one-year contract, providing them with valuable experience and high intensity on the roster. Furthermore, his high skill set is exactly what the Clippers need right now. This move proves beneficial for them both professionally and personally.

The Clippers have struggled to find a point guard who can complement their star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, which is why they gave Westbrook an opportunity. He's proven himself an effective backup for his teammates and could potentially make an impact player in the NBA.

Westbrook has the ability to play with both hands and excellent rebounding skills. He's a tough guy who often leads by example when leading his teammates in action.

He's an experienced veteran who's been playing in the NBA for 11 years, giving him plenty of expertise to draw upon in his new role with the Clippers. While it will be important that he not overreact, he can definitely provide a strong presence this year for the Clippers.

It's a risky move, but the Clippers are hoping to build around their star duo and believe that Westbrook can fit in well with them. He'll be an important part of their success this season and hopefully help the team take another step towards winning the NBA Finals.

Westbrook is a two-time scoring champion and MVP candidate, as well as nine-time All-Star and triple-double winner. His shooting may not be great, but his defensive abilities and ability to create his own shots should make him an asset for the Clippers. Adding him to their starting five will give them an incredible starting five in 2022; potentially making Westbrook one of the key factors in their turnaround plan.

3. Clippers re-sign Westbrook to a two-year deal

Russell Westbrook has announced his re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN. At 34 years old, Westbrook joins a team with championship aspirations and rejoins former Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George for one last stint on their court together.

After a season-plus with the Lakers, Westbrook took time to reflect and consider his options. That included revisiting his relationship with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, General Manager Justin Zanik and coach Will Hardy. According to sources, all three expressed their enthusiasm for him joining their club but made no promises regarding minutes or role size.

Westbrook didn't let that stop him from exploring other teams' offers in recent days. He talked with representatives from Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat about possible deals, but ultimately chose Los Angeles because of its championship potential and opportunity for continued success, sources reported.

Westbrook may not be the starting point guard he once was in Oklahoma City, but he still has plenty to offer as a backup. This season he averaged 15.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41.7% from the field and 29.6% from three-point range - though his shooting splits leave much to be desired.

The Clippers are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 33-28 record coming out of the All-Star break. This season, they have struggled to find a true point guard who can replace John Wall and Reggie Jackson; as such, they've used various floor generals such as Patrick Beverley and Rajon Rondo in their rotation.

Addition of Westbrook would be a risk for the Clippers. While he boasts plenty of talent and could provide depth at the point, his style of play doesn't align with what Coach Tyronn Lue is trying to achieve under his leadership.

He's prone to turnovers and not particularly effective on defense, making him an unattractive addition. On the plus side, he's an experienced veteran with years of experience who can offer leadership to younger players on the roster.

4. Clippers re-sign Westbrook to a three-year deal

Early this week, nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook completed his contract buyout with the Utah Jazz and will join Adrian Wojnarowski's Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN reported. Westbrook will sign a three-year deal that will pay him at least $784,914, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Clippers' acquisition of one of the league's top point guards fills a major need. After trading away John Wall and Reggie Jackson, they still need an experienced floor general. At present, they carry two young point guards -- Bones Hyland and Jason Preston -- who have yet to prove themselves in the league.

As the NBA trade deadline drew near, many players began advocating for Westbrook to join their respective teams. Stars Eric Gordon and Paul George expressed that Westbrook's presence would increase their teams' chances of competing for a championship - an opinion shared by veteran Marcus Morris Sr.

On February 10, Morris expressed his approval of the move, believing it to be beneficial to everyone involved. He pointed to Westbrook's history in Houston of getting into the paint and mauling defenses as an example of how he might fit with the Clippers.

Westbrook is an experienced veteran with a proven record of success, yet his recent performances have been somewhat controversial. The former MVP has below-average shooting percentage from beyond the arc and is also turning the ball over frequently.

Westbrook will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself in the Clippers' lineup. Not only will he get to play alongside two of the league's best shooters in George and Gordon, but teammates like Robert Covington who has made a significant impact for them over recent seasons.

In a year in which the Clippers have already lost two All-Stars due to injury, adding Westbrook is an essential step in rebuilding. His veteran presence will strengthen their core, making them more competitive in the Western Conference and giving them a chance at reaching the playoffs again. Furthermore, he'll serve as a mentor to younger players like Goran Dragic who was recently drafted by the Clippers.