Russell Westbrook To Join Nuggets Following Sign-And-Trade With Jazz

The Clippers sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz as part of a sign-and-trade deal for Kris Dunn. Last season, Dunn averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists and one steal while shooting 36.9 percent from three in 66 games. Utah is expected to buy out Westbrook’s contract so he can join the Denver Nuggets. The nine-time all-star averaged 11.1 points on 45.4 percent shooting in 2023 – he also averaged five rebounds and 4.5 assists coming off the bench.

If he clears waivers, Westbrook will be Jamal Murray’s backup since Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left, trimming guard depth. The former MVP was traded for the fifth time in his career and the second time in the past 18 months that he was shipped back and forth between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. “Russ is an all-time great, and we are fortunate to have him here,” Clippers president of operations Lawerence Frank said. “We look forward to seeing him continue his decorated career.”

The trade ends Westbrook’s stint with both Los Angeles teams as he failed to win a title with either squad. The Lakers acquired the former MVP in August 2021 in effort to form a “big-three” with Lebron James and Anthony Davis. Westbrook never found success in purple and gold, failing to play up to expectations with James and Davis on the court while averaging 17.4 points per game. However, Westbrook’s shooting improved with the Clippers but never played like his former self when Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were on his team, instead serving as a “sixth man.”

The Clippers will be Dunn’s sixth team in nine seasons. “Kris is a relentless point-of-attack defender, a connector on the offensive end and a terrific teammate,” Frank remarked. “He’ll help improve our defense and balance our backcourt.”

Article by Christian Bongiorno