Clippers’ Russell Westbrook To Sign With Nuggets After Buyout From Jazz

The Los Angeles Clippers are sending guard Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade arrangement involving guard Kris Dunn, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Westbrook will then agree to a contract buyout with the Jazz and sign with the Denver Nuggets, as many were expecting.

Westbrook is expected to agree on a contract buyout with the Jazz, clearing the way for him to eventually join the Denver Nuggets after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/ld4gsMPUhl

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 18, 2024

Clippers head of basketball operations Lawrence Frank admitted that the team had been working with Westbrook’s agent to find a deal.

“Russ is a tremendous f—ing player. Hall of Fame player,” Frank said, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “He’s one of one for what he’s accomplished. Last year was a different role than he’s ever played before. Since the time he’s opted in and with (Paul George) leaving as well, we’ve kind of worked with his agent to see where there’s the best fit for Russ.

“But we got great respect for Russ. He did a terrific job while he was here and we’ll continue to work through his agent to see what the best next steps are.”

The NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 45.4% from the field, 27.3% from beyond the arc and 68.8% from the foul line.

Both Nuggets GM Calvin Booth and coach Michael Malone added that the team has been looking for backcourt help.

“Somebody to play behind Jamal Murray,” Malone described the Nuggets’ main need while talking to NBA TV, via RealGM.

The Nuggets lost starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this summer, as the veteran guard signed with the Orlando Magic in free agency.