According to Shams Charania, the Denver Nuggets and former MVP Russell Westbrook have reached an agreement on a two-year, $6.8 million contract.
There is a player option in the agreement. After clearing waivers and reaching free agency, Westbrook—a two-time All-Star, nine-time All-Star, and the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles—accepted the offer.
Following his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook was released by the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets’ roster is finally complete.
After losing in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Westbrook joins a Nuggets team looking to strengthen its bench and make a run at the Finals. Guards Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have already left the Nuggets, making more ball handling necessary.
Along with Dario Šarić, Westbrook leads Denver’s free-agent acquisitions. Each will bear a great deal of responsibility for improving the bench.
Even though Westbrook is 35 years old and no longer an MVP, he should still help Denver in a number of ways. Specifically, the ability to handle the ball, rebound, and—yes—be athletic even in 2024.
But the move raises the same issues that have dogged all Westbrook suitors in recent years
In Denver, Westbrook is expected to start as the backup point guard right away. He’ll probably come up in other discussions about finishing games and getting spot starts in the event of injuries. In 68 games between 2023–24, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
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