The Los Angeles Clippers have traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Westbrook is expected to negotiate a buyout with the Jazz, clearing the way for him to join the 2023 NBA Champion Denver Nuggets.
This move will make the Nuggets the sixth team Westbrook has played for in the last seven seasons. That’s officially journey status for the NBA’s all time leader in triple doubles. Regardless of how many teams he’s played for, Westbrook is still considered a star.
Last season with the Clippers, Westbrook averaged career lows of 11.1 points and 4.5 assists per game, mainly coming off the bench. He started the season as the Clippers’ starting point guard but was moved to a bench role following the acquisition of James Harden.
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Westbrook’s 22.5 minutes per game were also the fewest in his 16-season career.
Get this, the Clippers who move to a new arena next season, had been seeking a trade partner for the 35-year-old veteran since the season ended, and the Nuggets quickly became the frontrunners.
In Denver, Westbrook will join three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, filling a crucial gap in their backcourt and providing depth off the bench. Despite his diminished stats, the Nuggets hope Westbrook can bring valuable experience and performance to their second unit.
As part of the deal, the Clippers acquire Kris Dunn, who averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 assists with the Jazz last season. The Jazz will also receive a second-round pick swap and cash in the trade.
This trade follows a series of moves by the Clippers this offseason, including Paul George’s signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency and the additions of Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum.