Russell Westbrook plans to return to Los Angeles to sign with the L.A. Clippers

Star point guard Russell Westbrook has plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers once a contract buyout on the remaining $47million owed on his expiring deal has been agreed. 

The nine-time All-Star, who was absent from this year's contest on Sunday, will then clear wavers before returning to L.A. from Utah to link up with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. 

The Clippers, along with the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, were interested in acquiring the 34-year-old after he was traded from the Lakers to the Jazz along with a 2027 first-round pick, as part of a three-team deal before the NBA's Trade Deadline on February 9. 

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank took the All-Star break as an opportunity to hold a 'series of conversations' with Westbrook, according to ESPN. 

Talks were centered on the point guard's role on the team and his willingness to fit in its system. The Clippers want to evolve their offense around Westbrook's passing, rebounding and ability to spread the floor, sources said. 

Russell Westbrook, 34, is set to return to Crypto.com Arena to play for the L.A. Clippers

The team's also wants to be less dependent on George and Leonard, who's suffered several knee injuries and issues to load management over the last couple of seasons. 

The Clippers will now be one of the league's favorites to compete for the NBA title with Westbrook's on its books, along with the Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.