Russell Westbrook Pens Emotional Message To Clippers After Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a package involving Kris Dunn. Shortly after, the Jazz waived Westbrook, and he is expected to join Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets once he clears waivers.

On Sunday, Westbrook penned an emotional farewell message to the Clippers and their fans after a short run with the franchise (h/t Law Murray of The Athletic).

"Thank you to Mr. Ballmer and the entire Clipper Organization for the opportunity. Clipper Nation, thank you! I had a lot of fun with you all, playing in the city I love in front of my family and friends. To all of my teammates, I thank y'all for embracing me and supporting me the past two years.

"To ALL of MY fans! You guys don't know how much your support means to me. Y'all keep me motivated and energized. I've got the most loyal and amazing fans in sports. Looking forward to seeing y'all next season!"

Westbrook joined the Clippers in the 2022–2023 season after the Lakers traded him away to the Jazz. Utah would buy him out right after, and he played 21 regular-season games for the Clippers that season.

The UCLA product averaged 11.1 PPG with 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Clippers this past season in just 22 minutes per game. He posted low numbers across the board, and it felt right for Westbrook and the Clippers to move on from him.

Westbrook came over to the Lakers ahead of the 2021–2022 season via a trade with the Washington Wizards, so he has been in Los Angeles since then. Now, he will move on and play in a different city for the first time since the 2020–2021 campaign.

Westbrook was officially waived from the Jazz on Saturday, so assuming he clears waivers, all signs point to him joining the Nuggets and making a run for an NBA title.

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