Russell Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and 2017 Kia NBA MVP with Oklahoma City, was traded for the fifth time in his career.
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Los Angeles (Associated Press) The Los Angeles Clippers sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz on Thursday in a sign-and-trade for point guard Kris Dunn.
According to ESPN, the Jazz are planning to buy out the former NBA MVP's contract so Westbrook can sign with the Denver Nuggets.
Utah also received a 2030 second-round draft pick, the draft rights to center Balsa Koprivica and cash in exchange.
Jazz receives:
- Russell Westbrook
- 2030 second-round pick swap
- Draft rights to Barça Koprivica
- Cash Considerations
The Clippers receive:
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.
“Russ is an all-time great and we're fortunate to have him here,” Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement. “He's added energy and enthusiasm to our team and we're excited to watch him continue his illustrious career.”
ESPN reported that once Westbrook clears waivers, he is expected to join the Nuggets, who have some deep guard depth after releasing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson earlier this month.
Westbrook is expected to agree to a contract buyout with the Jazz, paving 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
The deal marks the end of Westbrook's two attempts to win a championship in his hometown. Westbrook joined the Lakers in August 2021 as a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis on a championship-chasing team, but his first year and a half with the team was a huge disappointment.
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 majority of the second half of last season.
Los Angeles also traded Paul George to Philadelphia in free agency this month, but Leonard and James Harden will return along with Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell and Terrance Mann.
The Clippers will be Dunn's sixth NBA team in nine seasons after being selected fifth overall in the 2016 draft. Dunn started 32 of 66 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 5.4 points and 3.8 assists per game.
“Chris is a relentless defender, offensive connector and great teammate,” Frank said. “He will help improve our defense and balance our backcourt.”
