Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic reportedly wants the Denver Nuggets to add a former MVP to their roster. Nuggets insider Harrison Wind recently appeared on the DNVR Denver Nuggets Podcast, where he reported that Jokic wants Russell Westbrook on the team.
“I’ve been told that Nikola Jokic actually has been pushing behind the scenes to get Westbrook to Denver,” Wind said. “I’ve been told that Nikola Jokic wants Westbrook in Denver. He wants to play with him. It’s not the first time he’s wanted to play with him.”
https://twitter.com/wembyszns/status/1807756842606448798
With the Nuggets trading away Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets and losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic in free agency, they do need to bring in some guards. The franchise rejected Jokic’s request to bring in Westbrook in the past, but with no better options available, I think it makes sense for them to pursue him now.
The nine-time All-Star averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in a backup role with the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Westbrook can be that playmaker off the bench that the Nuggets have lacked and would reduce the playmaking load on Jokic when they are on the court together. I think he’d be an interesting addition, but it might take a three-team trade.
Westbrook opted into his $4 million player option for 2024-25 and the only player I can see the Nuggets giving up for him would be Zeke Nnaji, who has a cap hit of $8.9 million. A straight swap isn’t possible and I don’t think the Clippers would want Nnaji’s contract on their books either.
So, a third team is needed in this mix and it could be the Utah Jazz. The Clippers are trying to sign Kris Dunn and the Jazz are reportedly willing to help facilitate a sign and trade, according to Tony Jones.
“League Sources: The Utah Jazz remain willing to help facilitate Kris Dunn’s departure to the Los Angeles Clippers through sign and trade, as the Clippers continue to search for a new home for point guard Russell Westbrook, likely via a third team.”
The Nuggets could be that third team in this trade, with Nnaji heading over to the Jazz. There is also a possibility that some other team gets in the mix and then waives Westbrook, allowing him to join the Nuggets.
With there reportedly being mutual interest between Westbrook and the Nuggets, I expect him to eventually end up on the team. Would the 35-year-old be that difference-maker who can help the Nuggets get back to the top? I am a bit doubtful about that.
I think losing Caldwell-Pope was a crushing blow for the Nuggets. They had lost Bruce Brown the year before and that’s two key role players from that 2023 title-winning squad gone. Christian Braun didn’t quite step up to fill the void left by Brown’s departure and I don’t think Westbrook would in the case of Caldwell-Pope.
With Jokic being on the team, I would never write off the Nuggets, but I am not as bullish about them winning it all, with KCP having departed. It will be interesting to see if they can pull off any other moves along with the acquisition of Westbrook.
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