The Clippers are trying to work out a trade involving Russell Westbrook, who decided on Saturday to exercise his $4M player option for next season, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). A potential Westbrook trade was also reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic (via Twitter), who says L.A. is actively looking for someone to take on the veteran guard.
Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report (Twitter link) hears that the team is working with Westbrook to find a trade that benefits both parties. It’s believed Westbrook has played his last game for the franchise, Haynes adds.
League sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic that Westbrook has expressed interest in joining the Nuggets (Twitter link). Denver has an opening for a backup point guard after reaching an agreement this week to trade Reggie Jackson to Charlotte. Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports confirms (via Twitter) that the rumors of the Nuggets acquiring Westbrook are legitimate.
Westbrook adapted to a reserve role in his first full season with the Clippers, coming off the bench in 57 of the 68 games he played. He averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes per night while shooting 45.5 percent from the field but just 27.3 percent from three-point range.
Westbrook provided a spark for the Clippers when he signed with the team late in the 2022-23 season following a buyout with the Lakers. However, his role diminished after a trade in early November that brought in James Harden to be the starting point guard.
The Clippers are facing salary-cap and apron concerns and no longer view Westbrook’s salary as a wise investment as he nears his 36th birthday.
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