Clippers Lose Over 1.5 Million Followers After Trading Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Clippers experienced a significant backlash after trading away former MVP and all-time triple-double leader Russell Westbrook. Prior to the trade, the Clippers boasted 6.7 million followers on Instagram.

In the aftermath of Westbrook's departure, the team saw a dramatic drop, losing over 1.5 million followers within just one day, bringing their follower count down to 5.2 million.

This steep decline in social media following underscores the popularity and influence Westbrook had with the fanbase. His departure, coupled with the earlier loss of Paul George to free agency, both of whom are California natives and fan favorites, has created a sense of uncertainty and discontent among Clippers fans.

The team's decision to trade Westbrook without securing significant assets in return has left many supporters questioning the franchise's direction.

The Clippers traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal that brought guard Kris Dunn to Los Angeles. Dunn agreed to a three-year, $17 million contract with a non-guaranteed third year. In addition to Dunn, the Clippers received a 2030 second-round pick swap, the draft rights to center Balsa Koprivica, and $4.3 million in cash. Westbrook, meanwhile, is expected to join the Denver Nuggets after the Jazz waive him and buy out the remainder of his contract.

Westbrook's performance last season saw him averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, but he remained a fan favorite due to his energy and defensive prowess.

Despite a reduced role following the arrival of James Harden, Westbrook's contributions were valuable, particularly on the defensive end where he ranked fourth in field goal percentage allowed as the contesting defender among players who contested over 300 shots.

The Clippers now face the challenge of moving forward without Westbrook and George. The team will rely on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, along with newly acquired defensive-minded players like Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Nicolas Batum.

Dunn's defensive capabilities, evidenced by his sixth-place ranking in deflections per 36 minutes among players with at least 1,000 minutes played, highlight the Clippers' focus on strengthening their defense.

As the Clippers navigate this period of transition, the loss of a significant portion of their social media following serves as a reminder of the impact star players have on fan engagement and team identity.

Steve Ballmer Still Has Hope

Despite the significant setback of losing Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers , Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer remains optimistic about the team's prospects for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. During the grand reveal of the new 'Intuit Dome,' Ballmer addressed the challenges ahead but emphasized his confidence in the team's core strengths and their 2 stars in Kawhi Leonard and James Harden .

"The West is tough but it's going to be competitive. We still have two Hall of Famers, an MVP and Finals MVP on our team. Let's face it, most people would be salivating to have two people like that on their team."

Ballmer's faith in his team's depth and defensive prowess is evident, pointing to the acquisitions of Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, and the return of seasoned players like Nic Batum as key elements to their strategy.

Ballmer's tenure as owner has been marked by a relentless drive to propel the Clippers into contention. His enthusiasm and commitment have been instrumental in attracting top talent like Leonard and George, transforming the Clippers into a formidable force following the dissolution of the "Lob City" era. The hiring of Tyronn Lue, regarded as one of the NBA's premier coaches, further solidified the team's foundation.

The Clippers' journey to the Western Conference Finals in 2021 underlined their potential, but the loss of George has understandably raised concerns among fans about their ability to compete in a stacked Western Conference. With powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks poised to dominate, the Clippers face an uphill battle.

Nevertheless, Ballmer's belief in his team's capabilities remains unwavering. Kawhi Leonard, coming off another stellar season, and James Harden, expected to step up in George's absence, form a formidable duo. The supporting cast, including veterans like Batum and emerging talents like Terance Mann, adds depth and resilience to the squad.

Ballmer's vision for the Clippers extends beyond immediate challenges. His investments and strategic decisions aim to ensure sustained success, fostering a culture of excellence. While the path ahead is fraught with competition, Ballmer's optimism and commitment suggest that the Clippers will continue to strive for greatness, undeterred by recent setbacks.

Related: Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer: "We Have No Championships But We're Gonna Work Harder..."

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