Westbrook to sign with Clippers after finalizing buyout with Jazz

Russell Westbrook plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers after finalizing a buyout with the Utah Jazz, his agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Clippers reportedly became increasingly interested in Westbrook after a series of conversations with the former MVP, adds Wojnarowski. The ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard apparently communicated a willingness to fit into a "clear and specific role" built around his skill set.

The Utah Jazz acquired Westbrook from the Lakers in a three-team deal before the trade deadline and apparently gave him permission to discuss a potential role with other teams in the event he was bought out.

The Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat are said to have had talks with Westbrook and his representatives prior to his intention to ink a deal with the Clippers.

Players who are bought out must sign with a new team before March 1 in order to be playoff-eligible.

Clippers star Paul George began recruiting Westbrook shortly after the Lakers shipped him to Utah. The two played a pair of seasons together with the Oklahoma City Thunder but couldn't register a single playoff series victory.

While Los Angeles was linked with numerous point guards ahead of the trade deadline, the team didn't acquire a new floor general to fill its playmaking void. Veterans John Wall and Reggie Jackson were both moved, leaving Terance Mann as the team's primary point guard.

Despite boasting George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers rank 21st in offensive efficiency and 25th in assists (22.9 per game).

Westbrook had some success for the Lakers in a reserve role, averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, 6.2 boards, and one steal over 52 appearances.