Russell Westbrook is anticipated to signal with the Denver Nuggets as soon as he clears waivers following his buyout with the Utah Jazz. Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz as a part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ sign-and-trade for Kris Dunn. Westbrook was beforehand traded to and acquired out by the Jazz in 2023 following his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers.
In becoming a member of the Nuggets, Westbrook will play a reserve function and in addition be a spot starter. Because the Nuggets transfer youthful with the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, the acquisition of Westbrook offers them a veteran presence. Relying on his nook three-point taking pictures, Westbrook will give the Nuggets an analogous factor they’d in 2023 with Bruce Brown Jr.
“I feel we’d like some assist in the backcourt,” Nuggets basic supervisor Calvin Sales space instructed ”Altitude TV” on Tuesday. “We’re going to attempt to proceed to establish that and survey the market. We have now a roster spot left and I feel if we are able to add a high-level guard, we can be pleased with that.”
Westbrook, who’s now represented by Jeff Schwartz after parting methods along with his longtime agent Thad Foucher in 2022, averaged 11.1 factors, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes over 68 video games with the Clippers final season. Westbrook’s closest tie on the Clippers was Paul George, who additionally exited the group this offseason. Westbrook picked up his $4 million possibility with the Clippers to bypass free company final month.
After the Clippers had been eradicated from the playoffs, a report surfaced that Westbrook had curiosity in leaving the franchise for a much bigger alternative subsequent season. Westbrook and Nikola Jokic have lengthy had curiosity in enjoying with one another.