Welcome to another blog today we discussed that”Clippers and Jazz Agree on Sign-and-Trade Involving Russell Westbrook”. The Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz have reached a sign-and-trade agreement involving Russell Westbrook, as announced by the teams on Thursday. According to sources reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the former MVP is anticipated to join the Denver Nuggets after Utah waives him and buys out the remainder of his contract.
Details of the Trade
In this deal, the Clippers received guard Kris Dunn from the Jazz. Dunn has agreed to a three-year, $17 million contract with the Clippers, with the third year being non-guaranteed, according to Wojnarowski. Additionally, Utah acquired a 2030 second-round pick swap, the draft rights to center Balsa Koprivica, who was the 57th pick in the 2021 NBA draft, and $4.3 million in cash.
Westbrook’s Recent Performance
Westbrook is coming off the 2023-24 season with the Clippers, where he averaged a career-low 11.1 points per game. The Nuggets, in need of a veteran backup point guard who can bring energy and defense, find Westbrook an attractive addition after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson in free agency.
“I think we need some help in the backcourt,” Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth told Altitude TV on Tuesday. “We are going to try to continue to identify that and survey the market. We have a roster spot left and I think if we can add a high-level guard, we will be happy with that.”
Clippers’ Perspective
Westbrook, 35, opted into his $4 million contract last month. However, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank has been in talks with Westbrook’s agent to find a suitable fit for the nine-time All-Star after Paul George’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
“Russ is an all-time great, and we were fortunate to have him here,” Frank said in a statement. “He lifted the energy and intensity of the group. We look forward to seeing him continue his decorated career.”
Westbrook started last season as the Clippers’ point guard but transitioned to a sixth-man role after the team acquired James Harden. The Clippers then went on a 26-5 run during their best stretch of the season. Despite averaging career lows of 4.5 assists and 22.5 minutes per game, Westbrook played some of the best defense of his career. He ranked fourth in field goal percentage allowed as the contesting defender among players who contested 300-plus shots last season, according to Second Spectrum tracking.
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New Dynamics for the Clippers
Westbrook frequently played alongside his friend and former Thunder teammate Paul George. Now, the Clippers are moving forward with Kawhi Leonard and Harden, while incorporating defensive-minded players such as Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Nicolas Batum acquired in free agency.
Kris Dunn, who averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range in 66 games, had his best season since his rookie year in 2016-17. Dunn also ranked sixth in deflections per 36 minutes among players with at least 1,000 minutes played, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The Clippers had targeted the defensively skilled Dunn early in free agency.
Conclusion
The sign-and-trade agreement involving Russell Westbrook marks a significant shift for both the Clippers and the Jazz. While the Clippers bolster their defense with Kris Dunn, Westbrook looks forward to a new chapter with the Denver Nuggets. This strategic move underscores the Clippers’ commitment to fortifying their roster and maintaining competitiveness in the league.
