NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook expected to link up with Nuggets following Clippers-Jazz trade
Former MVP Russell Westbrook is reportedly on the brink of signing with the Denver Nuggets once he clears waivers in Utah. On the heels of the LA Clippers' trade with the Jazz, which sent Westbrook and a second-round pick swap to Utah in exchange for Kris Dunn, Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Westbrook is expected to be bought out and waived.
As a result, once he clears waivers and hits free agency, the nine-time All-Star will then reportedly be free to sign with the Denver Nuggets.
The move is one that has been talked about for some time now, with reports back in early July indicating that the Nuggets had an interest in acquiring Westbrook.
At the time, the veteran guard had just opted into the final year of his $4 million deal. Despite that, a report emerged suggesting that reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and DeAndre Jordan were both pushing the Nuggets to acquire Westbrook.
This was then corroborated by Sports Illustrated's Joey Linn, however, since then, there has been little movement on a deal. Now, amid Olympic preparations for Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP and the Denver Nuggets seem to be one step closer to acquiring Westbrook thanks to Thursday's trade.
Michael Malone's recent hint that the Denver Nuggets could acquire Russell Westbrook prior to recent Clippers-Jazz trade
Earlier this week, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was asked about the team's needs this offseason while making an appearance on ESPN. As Malone explained, the team needs a backup point guard who can play behind Jamal Murray.
He also revealed that Denver GM Calvin Booth was already working behind the scenes to address the situation.
"Somebody to play behind Jamal Murray. Calvin Booth's all over it."
The comments came a full two days before the LA Clippers wound up sending Westbrook to Utah, and when looking back, appear to be foreshadowing.
Looking at how acquiring Russell Westbrook would give the Nuggets depth in the 2024-25 NBA season
As Adrian Wojnarowski reported, and Michael Malone hinted, assuming Russell Westbrook eventually makes his way to the Denver Nuggets, he will likely be playing in a Sixth Man type roll behind Jamal Murray.
Of course, at the same time, depending on how the season plays out, and whether the Nuggets are impacted by injuries, the team could explore the possibility of starting Russell Westbrook at the shooting guard spot on an as-needed basis.
The backcourt spot alongside Jamal Murray was previously held by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who recently signed with the Orlando Magic. Since then, it has appeared as though the Nuggets will roll with Christian Braun as their starter heading into the 2024-25 season unless something changes.
Last year, Braun started four games for the Nuggets, showing impressive durability while playing in all 82 and averaging 20.2 minutes per game. Similarly, Westbrook averaged 22.5 mpg, starting 11 games for the LA Clippers while playing in 68.