Jerry West Reportedly Agrees to New Deal to Stay With Clippers
By Scott Rogust
The Los Angeles Clippers were perhaps the biggest surprise of the NBA this season, and as a result, a key figure in the front office is staying put.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Clippers special consultant Jerry West has agreed to a new contract to return for another season with the team. West joined the team back in 2017.
Clippers special consultant Jerry West has agreed to a new contract to stay with the franchise, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 15, 2019
The Clippers have been the talk among NBA teams that were in need of some new front office voices. However, owner Steve Ballmer would get the last laugh.
General manager Michael Winger opted to stay in Los Angeles instead of taking the Minnesota Timberwolves' president of basketball operations gig. Assistant general manager Trent Redden was courted by the New Orleans Pelicans to become their new GM, but he declined the offer.
West had an expiring contract, but has been in discussions with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer on a new deal to remain with the franchise heading into critical summer. Along with West, Ballmer has retained executives Michael Winger and Trent Redden, too. https://t.co/bowj20nKyN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 15, 2019
A ton of the Clippers' success can be attributed to the front office. They built a roster with young and veteran playmakers that helped them clinch a playoff berth. On top of that, they presented themselves as a huge problem for the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
Now, they can focus on this summer, as they have enough cap space to do some serious spending in free agency, and West can certainly help in that approach.