NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers Confirm Russell Westbrook Trade; DeAndre Jordan, Paul Pierce Eye Dion Waiters Next

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Playoffs-Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder
May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) enters the arena before the game against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena.  Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a heartbreaking 2015-16 NBA season. Despite bringing back the core team of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, injuries and league suspensions halted the dreams of Doc Rivers to take down Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. However, it looks like the NBA offseason will be pivotal for the Paul Pierce team as Russell Westbrook, who recently underwent a painful breakup for Kevin Durant in Oklahoma, might just be signing with the Los Angeles Clippers soon.

The Kevin Durant free agency decision landed the Oklahoma City Thunder in a difficult position as they are now left with only one superstar - Russell Westbrook. However, it looks like the OKC NBA-All Star might not be there long as the Los Angeles Clippers are said to be eyeing a trade with the Dion Waiters team. Given the talks that the Oklahoma team is planning a rebuild in the next seasons, an NBA trade involving one of their biggest stars will allow them to sign key players. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are running out of time to prove their mettle in the league. Hence, a Russell Westbrook trade might be the best option for both NBA teams at the moment.

Right now, however, the Russell Westbrook trade rumors have yet to be corroborated by both parties. As of this writing, the Oklahoma City Thunder have not expressed any official confirmation that the Kevin Durant exit will be followed by another NBA-All star getting off the roster. Moreover, league sources feel that the NBA trade rumors lean more on the analysis of fans than actual negotiations.

"So this thing has to play out," said Chris Broussard of ESPN. He added, "There's nothing right now to those trade rumors. But it just makes a lot of sense and there's a lot of scuttlebutt and speculation about it around the league. People are kinda putting things together saying this would make sense, that would make sense. But there's nothing tangible at this point."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers might be targeting yet another member of the Oklahoma Ciy Thunder lineup - Dion Waiters. Currently, Waiters is a free agent. While it remains to be seen if he re-signs the Russell Westbrook squad, rumors are rife his return to Oklahoma is imminent. However, it seems that he is now getting frustrated over the lack of urgency from the NBA team.

Pretty much like the situation in Miami Heat, where the focus on Kevin Durant and Hassan Whiteside pushed Dwyane Wade away and into the Chicago Bulls, the Oklahoma City Thunder front office has been warned of a potential Dion Waiters exit. If this happens, DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin and Paul Pierce are reportedly waiting to offer him a spot in the Los Angeles Clippers roster.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo