Julius Randle reacts to being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year

Russell Westbrook has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a two-year, $6.8 million contract. Westbrook will hold a player option for the 25-26 season.

Westbrook became a free agent after he was bought out by the Utah Jazz following his trade from the LA Clippers.

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.

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.

Kristaps Porzingis and the Washington Wizards are in serious talks on a contract extension, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.

As part of an extension, Porzingis would opt out of his $36 million player option for 23-24 to sign a long-term deal.

The Wizards can offer Porzingis up to $180 million over four years.

Porziņģis has averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks over 65 appearances this season.