LOS ANGELES – Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has been traded by the Los Angeles Clippers and is expected to eventually join the Denver Nuggets in a reported three-team deal.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers are sending the nine-time All-Star to Utah in exchange for a second-round pick swap and cash in a sign-and-trade deal involving Kris Dunn.
Westbrook is anticipated to negotiate a buyout with Utah, which would clear the path for him to sign with the Denver Nuggets, as per the NBA insider.
Last month, Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option to remain with the Clippers. However, Law Murray of The Athletic indicated that the situation was fluid, and it was likely he would be moved before the next season.
Westbrook is expected to agree on a contract buyout with the Jazz, clearing the way for him to eventually join the Denver Nuggets after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/ld4gsMPUhl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 18, 2024
Following the Clippers’ blockbuster acquisition of James Harden at the start of last season, Westbrook volunteered to come off the bench, leading to reduced playing time.
In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.
Westbrook made an immediate impact on the Clippers, serving as a passionate and vocal leader in the locker room.
He hit the ground running and demonstrated he still had plenty to offer during the Clippers’ 2023 first-round playoff series.
After a difficult stint with the Lakers, the Clippers signed him following his waiver by the Utah Jazz after a three-team trade in February 2023.
Westbrook is now the second Hall of Famer to leave the Clippers this offseason.
Despite injury concerns, the Clippers extended Kawhi Leonard’s contract in January, and James Harden agreed to stay for another two seasons.
The NBA world was shocked when Paul George opted to leave the Clippers for Philadelphia, where he will team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of a championship.
The Clippers’ “213 era” was largely seen as a disappointment, and the franchise now appears to be shifting toward a younger roster.
Regardless of where he plays, Westbrook continues to build his legacy both on and off the court.
The basketball court at Jesse Owens Park, where he grew up playing, has been named in his honor for his contributions to South Los Angeles.
His “Why Not? Foundation” hosts events throughout the year to help those in need, and Westbrook High School is set to open a second location in South Gate this fall.
In addition, he has invested in a community redevelopment project and was nominated for the league’s Social Justice Champion Award this season for his ongoing philanthropy.
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