"Y'all keep me motivated and energized": Russell Westbrook shares wholesome message for Clippers fans after Nuggets move
Former MVP Russell Westbrook shared a heartfelt message to LA Clippers fans after being traded to and waived by the Utah Jazz, paving the way for him to join the Denver Nuggets.
The Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to the Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal for point guard Kris Dunn, a 2030 second-round pick swap, draft rights to Balsa Koprivica and cash considerations. The Jazz have since waived the 2016 MVP.
In a message on Instagram, Westbrook expressed gratitude to the Clippers organization, including owner Steve Ballmer, his teammates and his fans.
“Clipper Nation, thank you! I had a lot of fun with you all, playing in the city I love in front of my family and friends. To all of my teammates, I thank y'all for embracing me and supporting me the past two years,” he said.
“To ALL of MY fans! You guys don't know how much your support means to me. Y'all keep me motivated and energized. I've got the most loyal and amazing fans in sports.”
Westbrook initially joined the Clippers after being traded from the LA Lakers to the Jazz. Joining the Nuggets allows him to pursue a championship with the 2023 NBA champions, who lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson.
Aside from adding Westbrook, the Nuggets used their full TP MLE on Dario Saric and re-signed DeAndre Jordan.
Why Russell Westbrook to the Nuggets makes sense
Russell Westbrook might be a polarizing figure, but he can help the Denver Nuggets in several ways. Despite criticism for his aggressive play, turnovers and erratic shot selection, his strengths could outweigh his weaknesses.
Last week, Nuggets coach Michael Malone told ESPN what the team still needed.
"Somebody to play behind Jamal Murray," Malone said.
Westbrook joins a Nuggets team that had Reggie Jackson and Collin Gillespie as backups to starting point guard Jamal Murray last season.
Westbrook provides the Nuggets with additional depth at the point guard position, especially during the regular season given Murray’s frequent unavailability. Last season, Murray appeared in only 59 regular-season games.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said Westbrook is expected to be a "spot-starter" at times.
"Once Russell Westbrook clears waivers, the expectation is that he’ll join the Denver Nuggets as a free agent and bring them another veteran to bolster the team’s bench and be available as a spot-starter," he said.
Westbrook appeared in 68 regular-season games for the Clippers last season, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
He shot 45.4% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point distance, which is the worst since the 2019-20 season.