Report: Nuggets Remain Interested In Trading For Clippers’ Russell Westbrook

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Denver Nuggets remain interested in trading for Russell Westbrook. 

Westbrook, who picked up his 2024-25 player option worth $4 million, is not expected back with the Los Angeles Clippers. 

“The most tangible known interest in Russell Westbrook continues to come from Denver, league sources say, with the Clippers openly exploring their trade options with Westbrook even though the league’s 2017 MVP recently exercised his $4 million player option for next season,” Stein wrote. 

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 for the Clippers in 2023-24 while shooting 45.4% overall, 27.3% from beyond the arc and 68.8% from the foul line.

LAC lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. Paul George left the Clippers in free agency for the Philadelphia 76ers after not receiving a four-year deal from his hometown team. 

The Clippers had to convince Westbrook to come off the bench after acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers and it wasn’t an easy process, per NBA reporter Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. 

One of the top players in NBA history, Westbrook has career averages of 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. He won the 2016-17 MVP Award. 

According to NBA reporter Harrison Wind of DNVR, Nikola Jokic wants the Nuggets to acquire Westbrook from the Clippers. The Nuggets and Westbrook have mutual interest.

Denver lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games. The franchise lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic on the first day of free agency. 

If Jokic is pushing the Nuggets to trade for Westbrook, we could see a trade happen soon.