Russell Westbrook Traded to Jazz, Set to Join Nuggets Following Buyout

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal involving point guard Kris Dunn. The Jazz are anticipated to buy out Westbrook’s contract, allowing him to join the Denver Nuggets, as reported by ESPN. Additionally, Utah received the right to swap second-round draft picks in 2030, the draft rights to center Balsa Koprivica, and some cash.

Jazz receive: 

• Russell Westbrook
• 2nd-round pick swap in 2030
• Draft rights to Balsa Koprivica
• Cash considerations

Clippers receive:

• Kris Dunn

Russell Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and the 2017 MVP for Oklahoma City, has been traded for the fifth time in his career. This marks his second trade to a team in Utah in the past 18 months, having previously been with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 35-year-old has reportedly opted into the final year of his contract with the Clippers, which would have paid him just over $4 million. Last season, Westbrook averaged a career-low 11.1 points per game while primarily coming off the bench. The Clippers, who were eliminated by Dallas in the first round of the playoffs with Kawhi Leonard injured, saw his contributions as significant but not enough to advance further.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank praised Westbrook, saying, “Russ is an all-time great, and we were fortunate to have him here. He lifted the energy and intensity of the group. We look forward to seeing him continue his decorated career.”

If Westbrook clears waivers, ESPN reports that he plans to join the Denver Nuggets, who are seeking additional guard depth after the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson earlier this month.

Westbrook is expected to agree on a contract buyout with the Jazz, clearing the way for him to eventually join the Denver Nuggets after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/ld4gsMPUhl

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 18, 2024

The trade marks the end of Russell Westbrook’s two efforts to secure a championship in his hometown. His initial stint with the Lakers, starting in August 2021, was marked by high expectations as he was brought in to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a bid for a title. However, Westbrook struggled, averaging 17.4 points per game and failing to integrate effectively with James and Davis. He was traded to the Utah Jazz in February 2023, where his contract was bought out, allowing him to sign with the Clippers.

Although Westbrook's shooting improved with the Clippers, he never recaptured his peak performance. He had a reduced role during much of the second half of the season, primarily coming off the bench.

In addition to Westbrook's departure, the Clippers have also seen Paul George leave for Philadelphia in free agency this month. However, they will retain key players including Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Terance Mann.

The Clippers will now welcome Kris Dunn, the No. 5 pick from the 2016 NBA Draft, who joins them after a season with the Jazz. Dunn averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 assists per game last season, starting 32 of his 66 games. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank praised Dunn’s defensive capabilities and his role as a team player, stating, “Kris is a relentless point-of-attack defender, a connector on the offensive end, and a terrific teammate. He’ll help improve our defense and balance our backcourt.”