SUMMARY
- Russell Westbrook was traded to the Jazz for a second-round pick swap, cash, and Kris Dunn.
- The Jazz are expected to reach a contract buyout thus allowing Russell to sign with the Nuggets.
If there’s one thing we want to witness happen over the next couple of years, it’s Russell Westbrook winning a championship before hanging it up. Known as one of the best players of the 2010s, the 9x NBA All-Star is all set to play for his sixth franchise in 16 years. Brodie has been around for a long time influencing the league into becoming a hyper-athletic fast-paced game.
The 35-year-old last played for the Los Angeles Clippers and his stint turned out far better than what most of us would’ve expected to happen. Despite facing an injury midway through the season, he was the sole reason why the Clippers wound up becoming a threat in the Western Conference. However, the Clippers recently traded him to the Utah Jazz for a second-round pick swap and cash considerations along with Kris Dunn.
The Nuggets need a veteran like Russell Westbrook to come off the bench
The Jazz are reportedly on the verge of a contract buyout with Russell Westbrook which will make him a free agent. But it doesn’t end there as the Denver Nuggets are the frontrunners to sign the veteran superstar. Westbrook’s presence on the bench will certainly fill up a ton of gaps that forced the Nuggets into a second-round exit.
BREAKING: Clippers are sending Russell Westbrook, second-round pick swap and cash to the Jazz in a sign and trade for Kris Dunn, per @wojespn
Westbrook is “expected to agree” on a contract buyout with the Jazz, clearing the way for him to join the Nuggets pic.twitter.com/H6MnljgYeZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2024
While with the Clippers, Westbrook had 68 appearances while starting in 11 games. He averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game during the 2023-24 season. Unlike the starting lineup, the Nuggets do not have a consistent contributor on their bench roster. Russell is bound to make a massive impact playing alongside Nikola Jokic and DeAndre Jordan, two players who have been persistent in teaming up with him.
Russell Westbrook could very well end up champion with the Nuggets
The Nuggets are still a championship-caliber team but it simply wasn’t their time during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Minnesota Timberwolves had a strong starting but a stronger bench than the Nuggets during the playoffs. Russell Westbrook is still explosive and very consistent when compared to most other bench stars.
This could be the year Russell Westbrook wins his first championship. They were extremely close to beating the Timberwolves despite the upsetting outcome. And the fact that the Clippers gave away their biggest weapon could give the Nuggets an edge over them in the West. The Clippers also recently lost Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers, another team that’s seemingly stronger now than they were last year.