The Los Angeles Clippers are working on trades to move point guard Russell Westbrook, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Westbrook just picked up his $4 million player option, though it was believed before that he would not return. The Denver Nuggets and Westbrook are said to share a mutual interest.
Westbrook turns 36 years old next season, but is coming off a solid year as a reserve, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 68 games.
The Nuggets lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games. The franchise is concerned that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will leave in free agency, although GM Calvin Booth said things will be “OK” if that happens.
“Yeah I think you have to look at everything and the nature of free agency is that he’s unrestricted,” Booth said. “So we can try to bring him back and if he doesn’t want to come back or opts to go somewhere else, that’s his prerogative. So we’ll have to work with that.
“So I think we’re prepared to like plug and play so to speak. When you look at some of the teams that have been good in the past, they had to find a way to replace fourth, fifth starters, sixth men off the bench and still keep rolling. It would be nice if he’s back, we’d have a lot of continuity together, but all the stuff I’ve looked at with lineup stuff and everything, Christian Braun is one of the best net rating guys in the league, as is KCP.
“So I think if he’s to step into the starting lineup, I would project that we’ll be OK if KCP doesn’t return.”
Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star and the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, but those days are long behind him. However, he remains a valuable veteran off the bench. The Clippers’ issues seem to be the fact their stars are older and when it comes to Kawhi Leonard, injury-prone.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
