Russell Westbrook has personally addressed the rumors about him wanting to leave the Clippers and find a more significant role on another team.
After the Clippers were eliminated in the first round at the hands of the Mavericks, The Athletic reported the challenges that came with Russ “being relegated to a reserve role” was a far more difficult “process behind the scenes than team officials had made it appear publicly”.
So, the outlet concluded that he may want to take up a better opportunity “elsewhere”.
Russ directly addressed reports such as these on his Instagram page.
In his first paragraph Westbrook said, “Understand that anything you read about what I’ve said or haven’t said has likely been fabricated.”
The nine-time veteran All-Star certainly made it sound like he is happy where he is and ended statement by saying, “I for one enjoyed my year, and worked hard to bring the energy, and provide a spark for our team with each opportunity I was given. I felt that I was and remain more than willing to take on new roles, and make certain sacrifices in hope that it would make our team better. I hoped for a different outcome, but I also enjoyed being in the trenches with my teammates this year, who have all been supportive of me throughout the season. I hope to come back better, stronger, and remain eager to take on any role that continues to put us in the best position to win next season!”
Westbrook has a player option in his contract, so he can become a free agent as soon as this summer.
Although for now, it seems as though Westbrook isn’t going anywhere.
Whether he will still be playing other All-Star veterans like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be another matter.
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