Despite the Los Angeles Clippers interest in a reunion with former star Chris Paul, the organization reportedly still would like to also bring back one-time NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
The biggest story in the NBA over the last week was the short-lived trade market for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. After reports claimed the Washington Wizards might consider trading the team great after years of speculation, it wasn’t long before they found the 29-year-old a new team.
Related: NBA trade tracker – NBA trades today with grades and analysis
On Sunday it was revealed that Beal was headed to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal that included a boatload of second-round picks and future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. The trade is expected to take a few days to be finalized as the Wizards look to help Paul find a new home with a contending team.
Before being traded by the Suns, there were reports the organization might release Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers were believed to be a top contender to reunite with the man that was an All-Star in five of his six seasons with the team. That is expected to still be the case whether Washington trades or cuts the league legend.
Los Angeles Clippers reportedly want to add Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook this summer
The Los Angeles Clippers performed well late last season when they added a strong, proven point guard in Russell Westbrook. If the team did acquire Paul, the assumption would be that would end any speculation of Westbrook returning next season. However, a new report claims that may not be the case.
On Monday The Athletic’s Los Angeles Clippers reporter Law Murray revealed the organization “would not be shutting the door on Westbrook even if they could acquire Paul, [according to] league sources not authorized to speak publicly.”
However, Murray does note that Westbrook may not be as interested as originally thought in signing the veteran’s minimum contract LA can offer. Yet, the Clippers have a lot of leverage in talks because the NBA free agent market for the nine-time All-Star is not looking very strong two weeks before the market opens.
One would assume that the Los Angeles Clippers would want Westbrook to bolster their bench in 2023-2024, which is a smart move. It’s just a matter of if the prideful future Hall-of-Famer would be open to a return to a role he did not like while with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.