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NBA Trade Rumors: 2 teams that should trade for Russell Westbrook

By Zamir Bueno

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards takes a three point basket during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards takes a three point basket during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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NBA trade rumors, Russell Westbrook (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

NBA Trade Rumors: Could the LA Clippers trade for Russell Westbrook?

The Clippers have been reportedly searching for a point guard who can run the offense since last October. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN stated on October 16th, 2020, that Kawhi Leonard was urging the Clippers to acquire a playmaking point guard because he knew Patrick Beverley didn’t have the proper skills to run an offense.

Kawhi’s desires aren’t the only reason the Clippers should be looking to acquire a playmaking point guard. Leonard suffered a partially torn ACL in the 2nd round of the playoffs against the Utah Jazz.

According to Dr. Michael S. George, out of KSF Orthopedics in Houston, Leonard is expected to be out until early January. Consequently, the Clippers need a player who can pick up some of his production while he is out.

The team currently features many pick and rolls in their offense, as they were 12th in the category, averaging 21.3 per game. The team shot 45 percent from the field on 16.5 shots per game, averaging 19.8 points per game.

Unfortunately, a significant amount of the team’s pick and roll production came from Leonard as he accounted for 26.8 percent of those possessions, as he is averaging 5.3 per game. He shot 51.7 percent from the field during these possessions on 4.4 shots per game. The field goal percentage allowed him to average 6.3 points in the pick and roll: 31.8 percent of the team’s total pick and roll production.

Westbrook’s history of excelling in the ball handler role makes him a perfect fit to pick up the slack while Kawhi is gone. Furthermore, he could also be the long-term solution as the point guard that the Clippers have been looking for.

The team could potentially offer Luke Kennard, Patrick Beverley, Ivica Zubac and salary filler for Westbrook. If Washington doesn’t like the Clippers’ offer, they should move on to the Portland Trail Blazers.

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