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Russell Westbrook stays close to home, signing with L.A. Clippers I The Rush

Russell Westbrook is finished with the Lakers, but he isn’t done with Los Angeles after signing with the Clippers. The star guard will reunite with his former Thunder teammate Paul George who recently sang Westbrook’s praises during NBA All-Star Weekend. Meanwhile, Kevin Love landed in Florida to join the Miami Heat, Patrick Beverley is signing with the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly signing Meyers Leonard to a 10-day contract. Leonard hasn’t played an NBA game in more than two years after using an antisemitic slur during a video game livestream in 2021. Plus, the Bucks received good news regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wrist injury.

Video Transcript

PAUL GEORGE: Outside of myself, probably Russ. He is absolutely one of the best dudes, one of the best people in the league. And, you know, it'd be nice to see him get decorated.

[AUDIO LOGO]

JARED QUAY: After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, Russell Westbrook is already headed back to Los Angeles.

- There's no place like home.

JARED QUAY: The guard's tenure with the Lakers was a disaster, but Russ is going to give his hometown one more try with the Clippers.

- And that might make things kind of awkward.

JARED QUAY: Not really. You heard Paul George at the top of the show. During All-Star Weekend, PG-13 said he wanted to see Russ win a title. And now the two former OKC Thunder teammates are being reunited with a legit chance to win a ship.

We're going to see all kinds of old faces and new places once the NBA returns from the All-Star break on Thursday, like Kevin Love, who, just days after being released by the Cleveland Cavaliers, headed down South to join the Miami Heat. And according to Woj, Patrick Beverley has found a new home with the Chicago Bulls. Does the Midwest hospitality extend to dudes who complain to the refs on every play?

- Good luck with that.

JARED QUAY: Elsewhere in the Central Division, the Milwaukee Bucks are signing Meyers Leonard to a 10-day contract, according to ESPN.

- Wow. Wow. I didn't see that one coming.

JARED QUAY: If you recall, Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream two years ago and hasn't played in an NBA game since. Leonard says that during the hiatus, in addition to rehabbing several physical injuries, he educated himself by spending time with various members of the Jewish community, including Holocaust survivors. Leonard has also apologized for using the slur numerous times, and it appears he's genuinely sorry, unlike other NBA players.

- No, just the one.

JARED QUAY: You already know who I'm talking about.

- Harsh but fair.

JARED QUAY: The Bucks caught a break on Monday, as further testing revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo avoided serious damage to his wrist when he suffered a ligament sprain just days before the All-Star break, according to reports. The Bucks big man will miss some time, but he is expected to return this season.

Giannis is the happiest person in the entire NBA, and we could all use some of that sunshine.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO: Captain Giannis. I'm the captain now.

JARED QUAY: Not even a bum wrist can bring this guy down.

- So what's it feel like to finally win this thing?

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO: Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

- That was worth the wait.

JARED QUAY: TNT needs to sign Giannis to a broadcasting contract right now. Any time he sits out a game with an injury, he should be mic'd up and calling the game from the bench. I swear, just watching him say, "that's a foul" is really funny. Giannis can say anything funny. In fact, Giannis might need to do this show. Giannis, if I'm giving this show to anybody, it's to you, baby.