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The Denver Nuggets added depth to their backcourt in a long-expected trade.
Russell Westbrook has signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz on July 18 but was waived two days later. His move to Denver was reported when the original deal allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to enter into a sign-and-trade agreement with the Jazz to acquire guard Kris Dunn.
Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook will sign a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, sources said. Athletic @StadiumThe contract includes a player option for the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/nZeK3ZZsvT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 26, 2024
This marks the fifth trade of his career for Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and 2017 Oklahoma City MVP, who has been traded to Utah from both his hometown Los Angeles teams in the past 18 months.
Westbrook, 35, reportedly opted into the final year of his contract with the Clippers, who were set to pay him just over $4 million. The point guard finished last season averaging a career-low 11.1 points, mostly coming off the bench, as the Clippers lost to Dallas in the first round of the playoffs after Kawhi Leonard was injured.
Denver needs depth at guard after parting ways with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson earlier this month.
Westbrook's performance in LA: Westbrook's trade from the Clippers to Utah ended two attempts to win a championship in his hometown of Los Angeles. He first had a very disappointing year and a half with the Lakers, who acquired him in August 2021 as a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis on a title-chasing team.
Instead, Westbrook averaged just 17.4 points per game for the Lakers and struggled to be as effective as he usually is alongside James and Davis. The Lakers traded him to Utah in February 2023, and after the Jazz bought out his contract, Westbrook signed with the Clippers.
Westbrook improved his shooting percentage with the Clippers, but he never regained the form that saw him peak in scoring and possession while playing for another team loaded with veteran stars, and he played mostly off the bench in a reduced role for the second half of last season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.