Veteran point guard Russell Westbrook is on the move again during the 2024 NBA offseason. When things are all said and done, he will be landing with the Denver Nuggets.
Before that, he will be making a pit stop with the Utah Jazz. Earlier in the NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a deal with free agent guard Kris Dunn.
To finalize that deal, a sign-and-trade was completed between the Clippers and Jazz. In exchange for Dunn, Los Angeles will be sending Russell Westbrook, a second-round pick swap and cash to Utah.
The Jazz will soon waive Russell Westbrook, which will pave the way for him to join the Denver Nuggets. The remainder of his contract will be bought out by the Jazz, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Denver Nuggets could certainly use some help in the backcourt. Veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic in free agency and Reggie Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
With more key rotation pieces on the move this offseason, the Denver Nuggets will be relying on even more young, inexperienced options. Russell Westbrook will help them along, providing the second unit with some much-needed energy and leadership.
“I think we need some help in the backcourt,” Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth told ”Altitude TV” 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.”
Russell Westbrook had a player option worth $4 million for the 2024-25 season that he exercised. But, his future with the Clippers was in doubt following the exit of Paul George in free agency.
The organization and his representation worked hard to find the right fit for him. Ultimately, a trade to the Jazz, who are going to waive him once the paperwork is done, enables him to land with the Denver Nuggets, a preferred destination.
Playing for the Clippers was the first time Russell Westbrook came off the bench since his rookie season in the NBA. After averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, it will be interesting to see what kind of impact he can have for the Denver Nuggets.
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