Russell Westbrook can be the boost the Nuggets desperately need

On Thursday, Marc Stein reported on Substack that Russell Westbrook is garnering interest from the Denver Nuggets. Mike Malone's team would need to strike a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the nine-time All-Star. The 2017 MVP recently opted into his $4 million player option for the upcoming season.

"The most tangible known interest in Russell Westbrook continues to come from Denver, league sources say, with the Clippers openly exploring their trade options with Westbrook even though the league's 2017 MVP recently exercised his $4 million player option for next season," Stein wrote.

Westbrook is still a force of nature. He's at his best when pulling down a defensive rebound and pushing the pace in transition. He forces defenses to collapse early in possessions, allowing perimeter shooters to thrive and secondary playmakers to feast on scrambled rotations.

With Westbrook coming off the bench, Malone's second unit would be much scarier. He would jolt the Nuggets into upping their pace, instantly improve their on-ball creation and, most importantly, offer the team a totally different dynamic. The Nuggets need more layers to their offensive approach, especially when some starters sit.

Furthermore, Westbrook's ability to operate as a starter would provide insurance for Jamal Murray. This past season, Murray missed 22 regular season games due to injury. Westbrook could easily increase his production when called upon.

Nevertheless, if the Nuggets bring Westbrook to Denver, Malone must find a way to get the best out of him. He struggles when asked to work around the perimeter. His game is based on his ability to penetrate and make reads as the defense rotates. Denver finished last season as the fifth-slowest team in the NBA , averaging 97.4 possessions per night. Westbrook is a whirlwind who likes to play fast.

Westbrook has had a tough few seasons. He needs to land with a franchise that will allow him to play his natural game. If Denver is willing to unleash his rip-and-run style, he could drastically improve its second-unit production, and that could help put the Nuggets back in contention next season.