The Clippers and Jazz have agreed to a contract and trade deal involving Russell Westbrook, who is expected to join the Nuggets after Utah waives the former MVP and buys out the remainder of his contract, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sources told Wojnarowski that the Clippers will acquire guard Kris Dunn from the Jazz for Westbrook, a second-round draft pick and cash.
Westbrook, who averaged 11.1 points per game for the Clippers through the 2023-24 season, is expected to clear waivers before joining the Nuggets, according to sources.
League sources told ESPN that the Nuggets would be interested in signing Westbrook if they waived him. The Nuggets could use a veteran backup point guard who can provide energy and defense after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson left in free agency.
“I think we need some help in the backcourt,” Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth told Altitude TV on Tuesday. “We’re going to continue to try to figure that out and study the market. We have a roster spot, and if we can add a top guard, I think we’ll be happy.”
Westbrook opted out of his $4 million contract last month, but after Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, Clippers president Lawrence Frank recently held talks with Westbrook’s agent to find the right fit for the nine-time All-Star.
Frank insisted the Clippers have “tremendous respect” for Westbrook, whom he called a “tremendous f—ing player, a Hall of Fame player.”
Westbrook was the starting point guard for the Clippers last season. But LA traded for James Harden, Westbrook moved into a sixth-man role shortly after, and the Clippers went 26-5 during their best stretch.
Westbrook averaged career averages of 4.5 assists and 22.5 minutes per game. But the fan favorite played some of the best individual defense of his career, ranking fourth in field goal percentage allowed as a competitive defender among players who contested 300-plus shots last season, according to Second Spectrum Tracking.
Westbrook was often paired on the court with his former Thunder teammate and friend George. The Clippers are now moving forward with Kawhi Leonard and Harden while adding defensive-minded players Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicholas Bottom in free agency.
The Clippers and Dunn have agreed to a three-year, $17 million contract with a team option in the third year, sources told Wojnarowski. He’s averaging 5.4 points, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals, shooting 36.9% from 3-point range in 66 games — his highest since his rookie season in 2016-17.
According to a study by ESPN Stats & Information, Dunn ranked sixth in turnovers per 36 minutes among players with at least 1,000 minutes played. The Clippers targeted defensive-minded Dunn early in free agency.
