Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Russell Westbrook recently agreed to return to the LA Clippers for another year, but he might be redirected to a different Western Conference team.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Clippers are “actively” working to trade the ex-MVP guard Westbrook. Charania also mentioned mutual interest between Westbrook and the Denver Nuggets regarding a potential trade.
The nine-time All-Star Westbrook, 35, recently picked up his $4 million player option to stay with the Clippers, but this appears to be more of a business decision than a desire to continue their partnership. Despite performing well over his one-and-a-half seasons with the Clippers, rumors suggest Westbrook’s benching last season did not sit well with him.
Following a second-round defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets now have a backcourt need. Their starting 2 guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, is a free agent and might be leaving, and backup point guard Reggie Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a salary dump.
Westbrook could fit well in Denver, playing behind starter Jamal Murray and alongside high-IQ players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. Despite past conflicts with Nuggets fans, Westbrook could improbably end up with the 2023 NBA champions.