The Utah Jazz have acquired Russell Westbrook in a sign-and-trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sending point guard Kris Dunn, a second-round pick swap, and cash to the Clippers, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Westbrook is expected to negotiate a buyout with the Jazz, facilitating his move to the Denver Nuggets, Wojnarowski reports.
Kris Dunn is set to sign a three-year, $17-million contract with the Clippers, as reported by Brad Turner of the L.A. Times. The 30-year-old Dunn, known for his perimeter defense, has had a stable tenure with the Jazz after multiple team changes. Dunn, the former fifth overall pick, achieved over a 50% effective field-goal rate in both seasons with the Jazz, marking the only instances in his eight-year career.
This transaction marks the second time Westbrook has been traded to Utah without playing for the team. The Jazz initially acquired the nine-time All-Star from the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2023 trade deadline in a three-team deal also involving the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following that trade, Westbrook joined the Clippers.
Westbrook is poised to join his sixth NBA team as he continues his quest for an NBA title. Last season, the Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.
Westbrook’s addition is expected to strengthen Denver’s backcourt following the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed a three-year deal with the Orlando Magic, and the loss of point guard Reggie Jackson to free agency. Westbrook brings veteran experience to a youthful Nuggets bench that includes Julian Strawther, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson, who collectively have five years of NBA experience.
During his time with the Clippers last season, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 assists, and five rebounds in 68 games.
