While he found a smile again at the Clippers, in a team that trusts him, Russell Westbrook was first traded to the Jazz by the Lakers. While at the time, we were convinced that he did not want to set foot in Salt Lake City, the 2017 MVP assures that he was not opposed to the idea of playing with Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson.
“I would have done whatever they asked of me,” assures Russell Westbrook, who gave himself a week of reflection at the time. “I told them I could be a mentor, and whatever I could have done to help, I would have done. As always, I do what is best for the team. If I have to put my plainclothes butt on the bench and make sure I’m helping the kids, I’ll do it.”
A frank and sincere discussion
Even if he did not go to Utah after his transfer, Russell Westbrook spoke with coach Will Hardy, but also former teammates and managers.
“I just wanted to make sure he knew how much I respect him as a player.”, reports Will Hardy. “And that whatever decision is made, he will always be welcome by my side. I have had a lot of respect for him for a long time. I was part of the San Antonio staff in particular, where we often played against Oklahoma City in the playoffs, and so I saw Russell up close. You know, his reputation speaks for itself. As a coach, for me it was about opening a discussion, and telling him that I was available to answer each of his questions about the situation. »
But after his transfer, candidates for the title came forward to recruit him, and the Clippers’ proposal interested him. All that remains is to negotiate a “buy-out” with the Jazz, and it will be done. According to him, it was just a matter of timing.
“It wasn’t the right time at the time, but I’m sensitive to honesty and I appreciated that they were very honest and direct with me, and it was easier that way.”
