Clippers could see nine-time All-Star jump ship this summer

Russell Westbrook was the L.A. Clippers' starting point guard to begin the season, before they acquired James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. He was quickly moved into a sixth-man role off the bench. Westbrook performed well with the Clippers' second unit, having played a similar role under Darvin Ham on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Yet, coming off the bench could be what leads Westbrook to leave the Clippers this summer. 

"League sources say [Westbrook] had to be convinced by Frank to take on the sixth-man role when the organization’s power brokers deemed it a requirement, has a player option worth $4 million for next season," The Athletic's Sam Amick and Law Murray reported. "...Does the nine-time All-Star and former MVP want to continue in this kind of limited role while playing on a veteran’s minimum deal, or might he have played his way into a better opportunity elsewhere? Considering the challenges that came with him being relegated to a reserve role, with team and league sources indicating that the process was far more challenging behind the scenes than team officials had made it appear publicly, the answer may very well be the latter."

Westbrook is at his best when he's allowed to play with freedom. Being moved to the bench shackled his ability to play his usual aggressive style. The Clippers had been playing well with him as the lead ball-handler. However, Harden is also a ball-dominant guard, so it was logical that someone would need to drop into the second unit rotation.

Turning 36 years old next season, Westbrook is in the final stretch of his career. His experience and unique style of play will undoubtedly afford him multiple suitors around the league. However, his best chance of winning is with the Clippers. He is surrounded by other aging stars. Three of them have never tasted championship success. They are all hungry to succeed. 

Searching for another opportunity where he can be a starter may be Westbrook's most likely move, but it could be what ends his chances of adding a championship ring to his resume. Not many teams are positioned well enough to contend the way the Clippers are. Especially not teams looking for a new aging lead ball-handler. 

Westbrook's full-throttle style of play comes with a cost. Team's have to build around his skill set. He is not a plug-and-play addition. A bench role is likely the best spot for him at this stage of his career. Still, if starting is important to him, Westbrook will likely have multiple opportunities to choose from in the coming months.