Russell Westbrook’s 2023-24 NBA season can be broken up into two parts: pre-James Harden and post-James Harden.

Prior to L.A. acquiring Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, Westbrook played an instrumental role in the team’s backcourt. He seemed genuinely comfortable in what he was doing and was reminding many of the player he used to be.

Once Harden arrived, though – that all changed. Westbrook was relegated to the bench and never quite recovered.

In the end, the former MVP wound up playing a career-low minutes per game and put up career low numbers across the board.

The coming 2024-25 NBA season promises to be a very interesting one. If Westbrook leaves the Clippers, three squads seem to be frontrunners for his services.

First and foremost, the Miami Heat are a team to watch here. With Kyle Lowry offloaded, Westbrook could prove Erik Spoelstra and Co. with the veteran presence they need coming off the bench. Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro can both light it up from behind the arc, so even though Westbrook is less reliable in that capacity, Miami wouldn’t lose much with him on the roster.

If not the Heat, the Chicago Bulls could also make a lot of sense. This was the squad that was most closely linked to Westbrook when he was trying to escape the Los Angeles Lakers, and from a fit perspective, it still works.

Finally, don’t sleep on the San Antonio Spurs. They need a proper point guard to lead the offense after last year’s disastrous experimental run. Westbrook could fit nicely alongside Victor Wembanyama.

Where will Westbrook ultimately end up playing in 2024-25? Time will tell.

2 NBA Teams Emerge As Serious Chris Paul Trade Frontrunners https://t.co/HQCkUGcXKP

— Game 7 (@game7__) May 22, 2024

Russell Westbrook Reveals His Feelings On Clippers

Because Westbrook’s campaign with the Clippers didn’t go as planned, amny assumed he was deeply unhappy with the franchise.

Once L.A.’s season ended, Westbrook came out and addressed the situation.

“I am often the topic of conversation by so many ‘sources’ and sports news outlets,” Westbrook wrote on Instagram.

“I felt inclined to share my actual thoughts and words following this season. Understand that anything you read about what I’ve said or haven’t said has likely been fabricated. I’ve never had any trouble sharing my thoughts or ideas on anything, and I choose to keep my thoughts to myself in most cases.

“I’d like to share some of my actual thoughts to Clipper nation and all of my fans. It’s a difficult time for a lot of people due to certain expectations that have been placed on them. Therefore, it’s understandable that there is pressure to plant stories or point the finger for what many would classify as a disappointing end to our season,” he continued.

“I for one enjoyed my year, and worked hard to bring the energy, and provide a spark for our team with each opportunity I was given.I felt that I was and remain more than willing to take on new roles, and make certain sacrifices in hope that it would make our team better,” Westbrook noted.

“I hoped for a different outcome, but I also enjoyed being in the trenches with my teammates this year, who have all been supportive of me throughout the season. I hope to come back better, stronger, and remain eager to take on any role that continues to put us in the best position to win next season!”

Does all this mean Westbrook will return to the Clippers next year? Time will tell.

Related: Lakers Among 3 Frontrunners To Sign Patrick Beverley

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school Games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.