Russell Westbrook picks up player option with Clippers

Russell Westbrook has picked up his player option for $4 million and is expected to return to the Clippers next season.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was the first to report it Saturday.

The nine-time All-Star point guard averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists off the bench last season. Although he shot 45.4% from the field, Westbrook hit just 27.3% from three-point range, his lowest since the 2019-20 season when he was with the Houston Rockets.

The former league MVP fractured his left hand in a game against the Washington Wizards on March 2 and needed surgery, sidelining him for 12 games.

Westbrook started 11 games this past season but lost his starting role after the Clippers acquired James Harden in a late-night trade on Oct. 31. He reportedly asked to move to the bench.

Meanwhile, forward Paul George has until 2 p.m. today to let the Clippers know of his future plans. He has a $48.7-million player option on his contract.