Report: Russell Westbrook, Clippers ‘Working Together’ On Trade

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Clippers are “working together” on a trade. 

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

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 3 and 68.8% from the foul line.

LAC lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. 

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 best 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 Denver 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. 

Jokic won the 2023-24 MVP Award. He’s now a three-time MVP. The big man averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 58.3% from the field, 35.9% from 3 and 81.7% from the foul line. He had 68 double-doubles and 25 triple-doubles. 

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

Westbrook is still looking to win his first ring. Meanwhile, Denver won the 2023 championship against the Miami Heat in five games. 

The Clippers lost Paul George to the Sixers after refusing to give him a four-year deal. They re-signed Harden and signed Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn and Mo Bamba.