Is Los Angeles Clippers’ Russell Westbrook going to join the Denver Nuggets?
The expectation surrounding Russell Westbrook all offseason is that he will end up playing for the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.
It’s not every day a former MVP is on the market. Say what you like about Russell Westbrook, but that’s what he is and he may be about to join the 2023 champions.
The Denver Nuggets appear to be inching closer to a rather curious acquisition in the form of 2017 league MVP, Russell Westbrook, who it has to be said could offer a very unique dimension to both the defense and offense. Let’s get into it.
Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets could be a thing
According to reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook could soon be on his way to the Denver Nuggets. Indeed, by the looks of things the Clippers have taken steps to make the move possible, trading Westbrook along with a second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz in exchange for 30-year-old guard Kris Dunn. As Wojnarowski reported, the Jazz intend to buy out Westbrook’s contract, while the man himself is expected to sign with Denver after clearing waivers.
“I think we need some help in the backcourt,” Denver general manager Calvin Booth said on Tuesday. “We are going to try to continue to identify that and survey the market. We have a roster spot left and I think if we can add a high-level guard, we will be happy with that.” Where details are concerned, Westbrook spent the last season in LA with the Clippers where he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes across 68 games (11 starts). Though he began his stint with the team as the starting point guard, he was later benched due to the arrival of James Harden last October.
Once Russell Westbrook clears waivers, the expectation is that he’ll join the Denver Nuggets as a free agent and bring them another veteran to bolster the team’s bench and be available as a spot-starter. pic.twitter.com/HOAoYgyn59
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 18, 2024
Now, if you’re wondering whether this is a move that makes sense for last year’s champions, consider for a moment just who Westbrook is. Yes, it’s true that the 2017 MVP has had a tough time in recent seasons, but just last season he was close to an NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. There’s also the fact that he was an integral part of the Clippers postseason run which was ended by the Dallas Mavericks who went all the way to the NBA Finals. As for what to expect from a Westbrook/Nuggets union, Denver will undoubtedly get a boost in the backcourt while also receiving immediate cover on offense for the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and backup Reggie Jackson who left in free agency. Keep an eye on this one.
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