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Russell Westbrook is expected to sign with the Denver Nuggets once he clears waivers following his buyout with the Utah Jazz. Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ sign-and-trade for Kris Dunn. Westbrook was previously traded to and bought out by the Jazz in 2023 following his exit from the Los Angeles Lakers.

In joining the Nuggets, Westbrook will play a reserve role and also be a spot starter. As the Nuggets move younger with the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, the acquisition of Westbrook gives them a veteran presence. Depending on his corner three-point shooting, Westbrook will give the Nuggets a similar element they had in 2023 with Bruce Brown Jr.

“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.”

Westbrook, who is now represented by Jeff Schwartz after parting ways with his longtime agent Thad Foucher in 2022, averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes over 68 games with the Clippers last season. Westbrook’s closest tie on the Clippers was Paul George, who also exited the team this offseason. Westbrook picked up his $4 million option with the Clippers to bypass free agency last month.

After the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs, a report surfaced that Westbrook had interest in leaving the franchise for a bigger opportunity next season. Westbrook and Nikola Jokic have long had interest in playing with each other.