Jerry West is leaving the Warriors for Clippers

Feb 20, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Former West Virginia Mountaineer Jerry West looks on during the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Former West Virginia Mountaineer Jerry West looks on during the game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Oklahoma Sooners at the WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jerry West is leaving a successful tenure with the Golden State Warriors for a new adventure with the Los Angeles Clippers.

After the Golden State Warriors have brought home another NBA Championship, a legend is leaving. It was announced on Tuesday night, that Jerry West would be leaving the franchise for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated was the first to break the news of one of the greatest to ever play heading back to the city he helped make famous in basketball. For West, he has earned the right to place his input wherever he is needed and success has followed him as an executive just as it has on the hardwood.

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With the Clippers having a pivotal offseason ahead of them, they are going to have to make several tough decisions. Key players could be on the way out in free agency and retaining Chris Paul will be their biggest priority.

By having West in the fold, it sends a strong message that the Clippers are serious about taking that next step and doing what is necessary to turn the team into a championship one. The team has had the pieces to compete but hasn’t been able to advance far in the playoffs.

For the Warriors, the team has to be more than grateful for his wisdom and contributions over the year. Part of what makes the team successful besides the vast array of talent is the calming influence of those overseeing the franchise.

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West has lent a steady hand to this team and will do the same with the Clippers. It’s hard for the team to see him leave, but it’s the next chapter in his successful career with the league and it will make the rivalry all the more interesting as he heads to a divisional rival.