Report: Westbrook's final days in a Clippers uniform may be near

Russell Westbrook's stint with the LA Clippers might be hitting a rough patch. Initially, Westbrook was all in, starting 26 straight games for the Clippers after signing a two-year, $7.9 million deal last summer. But things took a turn when James Harden joined the squad on Nov. 1, bumping Westbrook to a bench role.

Westbrook wasn't thrilled about coming off the bench, a decision that required some serious convincing from Clippers executive Lawrence Frank. Despite starting as the point guard this season, Harden's arrival and a stint on the sidelines due to a fractured hand that required surgery pushed him into a sixth-man spot. Westbrook has hinted more than once that he's up for more game time than what he's been getting.

After missing 12 games for surgery, Westbrook returned to play 40 minutes in a game against the Suns on April 9. Yet, for the most part, he found himself clocking in around 20.9 minutes per game. His time dipped even further in the playoffs, averaging under 20 minutes in three of the Clippers' final four games against the Mavericks.

With career-lows in minutes, points, and assists this season, and a $4 million player option on the table for next year, don't be shocked if Westbrook decides to test the waters of free agency to find a team that'll let him shine like the star he still believes he is.


Source Bleacher Report: Report: Russell Westbrook Accepting Role 'Far More Challenging' Than Clippers Led On
Source RealGM: Russell Westbrook May Leave Clippers For Better Opportunity