Russell Westbrook’s next NBA stop is likely to be in thin air. The Denver Nuggets are on the verge of signing the guard
As NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN told X on Thursday evening German time, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz have agreed on a sign-and-trade deal with Russell Westbrook. The 35-year-old point guard with the most triple-doubles in league history (198) will now most likely join the Denver Nuggets around star center Nikola Jokic. He is expected to be released to the 2023 champions.
Utah had previously released former MVP Westbrook (2017) and bought out the remainder of his contract. The Clippers involved in the deal will receive guard Kris Dunn, a second-round draft pick and cash from the Jazz.
Westbrook is coming off a mediocre season at best, averaging just 11.1 points per game. He also slipped out of the Clippers’ starting five early on and ultimately only averaged 22.5 minutes – a career low.
Nuggets need defense
He would still provide the Nuggets with plenty of experience and energy, as well as good defense, which the Colorado franchise could use after the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Orlando) and Reggie Jackson (Charlotte Hornets).
“I think we need support in the backcourt,” Nuggets GM Calvin Booth said on Altitude TV on Tuesday, talking about a vacant roster spot that should be filled with a “high-class guard.”
Clippers get defensive stalwart Dunn
The Clippers and the defensively very attentive Dunn meanwhile agreed on a three-year contract worth 17 million dollars with a team option for the third year, as Wojnarowski writes. The 30-year-old guard averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists and one steal on 36.9 per cent shooting from downtown – his best figure since his rookie season in 2016/17.
