According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Clippers have traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz for Kris Dunn. This is a deal that will help the Clippers rejuvenate their squad. However, Russell Westbrook’s destination has not stopped at the Delta Center.
In the latest news, Utah Jazz is said to be going through a “buyout” move, which means reaching an agreement to settle Russell Westbrook’s contract. This action will help Utah Jazz save salary for an unused player, and Westbrook will become a free agent. Shortly after, Russell Westbrook joined the Denver Nuggets.
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Russell Westbrook transfer details
Los Angeles Clippers receive:
- Kris Dunn
Utah Jazz received:
- Russell Westbrook
- NBA Draft 2nd Round Pick Trading Rights
- Cash
Accordingly, the Los Angeles Clippers have made a “sign-and-trade” deal to bring Kris Dunn. They will sign this player to a 3-year, $ 17 million contract. In return, the Clippers will send Utah Jazz a sum of cash, the right to exchange a 2nd round pick and Russell Westbrook.
Shortly thereafter, the Utah Jazz quickly executed a “buyout” of Russell Westbrook’s contract. This is an agreement between the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook to settle Westbrook’s $4 million contract for the 2024/25 season at a cheaper price. The Utah Jazz will save $4 million on the salary cap, and Westbrook will receive the money and become a free agent, with the opportunity to sign with another team.
According to the latest information, Russell Westbrook is expected to join the Denver Nuggets in the 2024/25 season.
What benefits will Russell Westbrook bring to the Denver Nuggets?
At 35 years old, Russell Westbrook certainly won’t be able to make MVP-level contributions like he did in the 2016/17 season. However, this player still has certain contributions. In the 2023/24 season, Westbrook will average 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals in an average of 22.5 minutes per game, as well as being a candidate for the title of “Best Reserve Player of the Year”.
Therefore, Russell Westbrook will definitely take on the role of scoring and holding the ball off the bench, similar to what he did with the Los Angeles Clippers. Not to mention, Westbrook will be a stable replacement for Jamal Murray in case the player needs to rest, which is something the Denver Nuggets sorely lacked last season.
Remember, Russell Westbrook is still the player with the most triple-doubles of all time in the NBA (199 times). The combination with Nikola Jokic (130 triple-doubles) will be quite interesting, making many people look forward to the return of the former NBA champion 2023.
It is still unclear exactly how much Russell Westbrook will contribute to the Denver Nuggets. But for now, the Colorado team knows its weaknesses and will work to address them before the 2024/25 season.
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