In Pictures: Terance Mann shares cold Russell Westbrook pictures as a Clipper as 9x All-Star reportedly set to join Nuggets
Russell Westbrook was one of the major names headlining the NBA news circuit on Thursday. The former MVP was traded to the Utah Jazz and is expected to link up with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets after his contract buyout. Soon after his exit from the LA Clippers, his former teammate Terance Mann had his way of saying goodbye to the mercurial point guard.
Mann took to Instagram to share two of Westbrook's animated celebrations as a Clipper, one of which will forever be regarded as the best pictures of Westbrook on a basketball court.
Mann and Westbrook share a great relationship, helping the young F/G since he joined the Clippers in 2023. Both of them have been lavish in their praise for each other, and Mann's latest post further proves the good bond between the two.
The latest move for the 9x NBA All-Star comes after he opted into the final year of his contract with LA this summer. At the time of writing, all signs point to the guard and the Jazz agreeing on a buyout number so he can sign with the Nuggets. The trade saw the Clippers send Westbrook, a second-round pick swap, and cash to Utah for Kris Dunn.
Russell Westbrook spent two seasons with the Clippers — both of which saw him make the playoffs. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 89 games. Last season, he propped up 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks while shooting 45.4% from the field, and 27.3% from beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokic reportedly signed off on the Russell Westbrook move
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic seemingly greenlit the plan of acquiring Russell Westbrook. According to DNVR Sports' Harrison Wind, the 3x NBA MVP signed off on the deal and it doesn't come as a surprise since Jokic is a fan of how Westbrook plays the game.
Westbrook brings in the much-needed veteran experience and the explosiveness the Nuggets need after they lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency earlier this season. While the guard's offensive output may have dipped considerably over the last few seasons, he has proved to be a force with his facilitating and improved defense that will greatly help Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Nuggets ended their campaign after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. With the Russell Westbrook trade incoming, only time will tell if he and Denver can land another title.