Russell Westbrook could depart L.A. to join the Denver Nuggets, per insider

russell-westbrook

With former L.A. Clippers forward Paul George departing for Philadelphia, the ball hasn’t fully dropped for the franchise. The next star potentially out the door is former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, who picked up his $4 million option last week.

All signs point to the Clippers transitioning to focusing on the future. Losing George and potentially Westbrook will mean losing a couple of aging stars — not a terrible spot to be in. But it will require much work for the front office to recoup the immediate future on short-notice.

L.A. seeking a trade package for Westbrook

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to deal Westbrook to another team after absorbing his player option. The star point guard joined the Clippers shortly after the 2023 trade deadline coming off a season-and-a-half with the L.A. Lakers. Last season, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on 45.4% shooting from the field and 27.3% from the 3-point line. He appeared in 68 games (11 starts) and proved to be a vital piece to L.A.'s defense and playmaking off the bench.

Westbrook is a low-cost option to keep around. While he isn’t a superstar any longer, he is still effective. The Clippers will need to act promptly to find a worthy replacement if they indeed decide to trade the former All-Star.

Denver to make a run at the former MVP

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Denver Nuggets have mutual interest in signing Westbrook ahead of the 2024-25 season. After losing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, the Nuggets are searching for another playmaker off the bench. Signing Westbrook to a team-friendly deal can help lessen the blow for Denver. However, in the Clippers case — they can expect to receive a reasonable return for No. 0.

If they deal him away, the Clippers would get hit with an immediate need for a backup point guard. Bringing back Westbrook’s former teammate and former Clippers Reggie Jackson in a trade would have been an option before the Nuggets sent him to the Charlotte Hornets. Regardless of the team Lawrence Frank and Co. send him off to, expect the Clippers to aim for depth and younger legs. Drafting Cam Christie was the first indication of the direction the Clippers were looking to head in. Now, parting ways with Westbrook opens the door for more future assets.