Jerry West doesn't plan on leaving his role with the Clippers anytime soon.
The Hall of Famer and longtime NBA executive, who will turn 81 at the end of this month, agreed to a new contract to continue as the franchise's consultant in a front-office advisory role, according to the Los Angeles Times, which cited an unidentified source.
Source: Two years after he joined the team in an advisory role, longtime executive Jerry West has agreed to return to the Clippers' front office next season.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) May 15, 2019
Our @latimes breaking story: https://t.co/SYOxWl7tac
West's role with the Clippers began in June 2017 after he had served as an executive board member for the Warriors dating back to 2011. He said at his introductory press conference in 2017: "Here I am on the last adventure of my life."
The Clippers have now retained three of their key front-office executives in the last month as general manager Michael Winger and assistant general manager Trent Redden both decided to stay in Los Angeles, despite receiving interest from other teams around the league.
"We are building something truly special in LA, and I want to be part of the group that rewards our loyal and passionate fans,” Winger said in April in reference to his decision to stay.
West brings a unique skill set to the Clippers as he spent his entire 14-year playing career with the crosstown Lakers, and keeping the Clippers' front office together will be a big benefit heading into free agency.
It's been speculated Los Angeles could pursue the Raptors' Kawhi Leonard and the Warriors' Kevin Durant, though anything can happen during the offseason.
Despite trading away Tobias Harris to the 76ers at February's trade deadline, coach Doc Rivers still led the team to a 48-34 regular-season record, allowing the Clippers to reach the playoffs. They lost their opening-round series 4-2 against the Warriors, but they exceeded preseason expectations and could be well positioned to land a star in free agency.