Russell Westbrook is set to join the Denver Nuggets on a two-year, $6.8 million deal following a contract buyout with the Utah Jazz, according to Shams Charania. Westbrook was initially traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Kris Dunn to the Clippers. Dunn will join the Clippers on a three-year, $17 million contract, as reported by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. The Clippers also included a second-round pick swap and cash in the deal with the Jazz.
Earlier this summer, Russell Westbrook opted into the final year of his contract, worth slightly over $4 million. However, remaining in Los Angeles was never guaranteed. Rumors of mutual interest between Westbrook and the Nuggets have been circulating, and now the deal is finalized. Although Westbrook is no longer in his All-Star and MVP prime, he proved his worth as a scorer and facilitator off the bench for the Clippers last season. His defensive contributions were also vital to the second unit.
Westbrook’s veteran presence will bolster a Nuggets team that has had a relatively quiet offseason, especially after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. While Westbrook won’t replicate KCP’s defense or three-point shooting, his addition at a reasonable price adds depth to a championship-contending roster. In the highly competitive Western Conference, having experienced players who can perform in playoff situations is crucial.
This move marks the fifth trade for Westbrook since 2019, the most for any former league MVP. It’s also the second consecutive year he has been traded to the Utah Jazz. The Lakers traded him to the Jazz at the 2023 NBA trade deadline, but he was waived by the Jazz 11 days later, subsequently signing with the Clippers.
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