On Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn via sign-and-trade, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Jazz also received a second-round pick swap and cash.
Once Westbrook clears waivers, it is expected that he will sign with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets, whose bench unit struggled last season, will get a jolt with Westbrook.
The Nuggets lost Bruce Brown at the end of the 2022-2023 season, who was a vital piece to their title team. This off-season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic and Reggie Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
It goes without saying that the team needs a playmaking guard, and Westbrook, despite his age (he will be 36 in November), fits that bill. His energy especially will be useful in giving the bench unit a run-and-gun type of style that will work to opponents’ disadvantage in the altitude of Denver. He will also free up open looks for the likes of Michael Porter Jr., who is a knock down three-point shooter. Aaron Gordon will also benefit either on screen and rolls with Westbrook or backdoor lobs.
Of course, playing with superstar Nikola Jokic will help facilitate even better ball movement for the Nuggets and get good looks. With his uptempo game, Westbrook will be able to generate open looks for the likes of bench players Julian Strawther and Hunter Tyson. In addition to that, he will provide veteran leadership for what is a young second unit, as well as provide leadership for the team overall.
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