Russell Westbrook Expects To Be Traded During Free Agency: Mutual Interest With The Nuggets

Russell Westbrook will not remain with the LA Clippers next season, even with him opting into his $4 million contract option. Shams Charania reported that the Clippers are working to move Russell Westbrook, and are looking for options in the trade market.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that the Denver Nuggets are one of the teams looking to bring Westbrook in, and are exploring their options to try and land the former MVP.

Westbrook has had a tough few years in the NBA, pretty much since leaving the Thunder in 2018. He has bounced around the league, unable to find a long-term home. He had one-year stints with the Rockets and the Wizards, before spending two years each with the Lakers and the Clippers.

While Westbrook was able to improve his stock during his tenure with the Clippers, it is clear he is no longer the game-changing superstar he was years ago. But, he can still be a valuable option for a contending team, especially coming off the bench.

Westbrook had earlier been reported to be leaving the Clippers in free agenc y but surprisingly opted into his $4 million player option. With him earning that amount, he presents a team-friendly deal looking for a solid bench option that can provide scoring and high energy for the second unit.

The Nuggets would benefit from Westbrook's high effort and scoring off the bench, as he could allow Jamal Murray to get some valuable rest during games. With Murray's extensive injury history, preserving him in the run-up to the playoffs is a key priority for the Nuggets.

Could The Nuggets Win A Championship With Westbrook?

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has shown he is very good at using veteran players who are beyond their prime very well. DeAndre Jordan seldom plays for the Nuggets but has been utilized very well by the Nuggets as the backup for Nikola Jokic.

Perhaps he can do the same with Westbrook this year. Last season, Westbrook played 68 games for the Clippers and averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He also showed great humility and team spirit agreeing to come off the bench after James Harden's arrival.

In fact, Harden's arrival caused Westbrook's game to deteriorate to a great extent. Westbrook had been experiencing somewhat of a career resurgence after joining the Clippers in 2023, but with Harden coming in, he was asked and agreed to take a role coming off the bench for the sake of the team.

One may wonder whether Westbrook is looking for a team where he can have a more pronounced starting role. At this point in his career, it is unlikely a contending team will want Westbrook in that role, but perhaps a team in need of a star will consider him with the hope that he can return to his All-Star caliber days.

Westbrook's future is one to keep an eye on, as it is going to be an interesting period for contending teams in the NBA.

Related: Paul George Expected To Leave The Clippers After Failed Free Agency Negotiations

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