Russell Westbrook expected to join Nuggets after Clippers-Jazz deal

The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Russell Westbrook, a second-round pick swap, and cash to the Utah Jazz, who are then expected to waive the veteran guard.

Once he clears waivers, Westbrook is expected to sign with the Denver Nuggets, a person with knowledge of Westbrook’s plans confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until a deal is official.

The deal also includes a sign-and-trade agreement for guard Kris Dunn, who heads to the Clippers.

Westbrook, 35, has spent the last two seasons with the Clippers and averaged a career-low 11.1 points in 68 games, with 11 starts, during the 2023-24 season. His scoring average has declined in each of the past five seasons.

Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star who won the 2017 NBA MVP award. He spent the first 11 years of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder and has also played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers.

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Dunn, 30, averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds for Los Angeles, who were bounced in the first round of the playoffs in six games by the Dallas Mavericks.

The Nuggets on Friday signed Dario Saric to bolster the team’s rotation.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY