Russell Westbrook has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets following his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers and subsequent buyout by the Utah Jazz. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium broke the news, highlighting that the deal includes a player option for the second season.
Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is signing a two-year, $6.8 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Deal has a player option for 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/nZeK3ZZsvT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 26, 2024
Westbrook’s journey to Denver involved a sign-and-trade deal between the Clippers and Jazz, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Jazz waived and bought out the remainder of Westbrook’s contract after he had opted into a player option for the 2024-25 season worth just over $4 million. This move marks Westbrook’s fifth trade since 2019, setting a record for a former league MVP. He was previously waived by the Jazz in 2023 before signing with the Clippers.
During his last season in Los Angeles, Westbrook averaged a career-low 11.1 points and 4.5 assists in 68 appearances. He started the 2023-24 campaign as a starter for the Clippers but was moved to a bench role following the midseason acquisition of James Harden. Despite playing a career-low 22.5 minutes per game, Westbrook still provided reliable defense for the Clippers’ second unit.