Trade Finalized! Westbrook Officially Leaves the Clippers: Is This His Last Chance?

Late last night, ESPN broke the news that Russell Westbrook's time with the Clippers has officially come to an end. The Clippers have traded Westbrook, a second-round pick swap right, and some cash considerations to the Utah Jazz in exchange for a sign-and-trade deal involving point guard Kris Dunn. League sources have indicated that Westbrook is expected to negotiate a buyout with the Jazz and, after clearing waivers, will likely join the Denver Nuggets, teaming up with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

A Predictable Outcome

This trade comes as no surprise. Following the end of this year's playoffs, there were already reports suggesting that Westbrook would not remain with the Clippers for the next season. Recently, rumors of a potential trade involving Westbrook gained traction, and it was reported by multiple journalists that the Clippers and Dunn had mutual interest. Consequently, the two sides reached a sign-and-trade agreement, officially ending Westbrook's tenure with the Clippers.

Interestingly, this scenario mirrors what happened at last year's trade deadline. Westbrook was traded from the Lakers to the Jazz, negotiated a buyout, and then joined the Clippers. Now, a year and a half later, he finds himself being traded to the Jazz once again, only to negotiate another buyout. However, it is clear that the Jazz will not be his final destination.

The Denver Connection

Westbrook's most likely next team appears to be the Denver Nuggets. Shams Charania previously reported that the Nuggets were frontrunners to sign Westbrook should he become a free agent. Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic is a fan of Westbrook, and Westbrook himself is interested in joining a contending team like the Nuggets.

What Can Westbrook Bring to the Nuggets?

Assessing what Westbrook can offer the Nuggets starts with a review of his recent performance. Last season, Westbrook played 68 games for the Clippers, starting in 57 of them. He averaged only 22.5 minutes per game, contributing 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. While Westbrook can still put up impressive stats when given the ball, his efficiency remains a concern. His shooting percentages were 45.4% from the field, 27.3% from three-point range, and 68.8% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 51.4%.

Westbrook's playoff performance was even more underwhelming, averaging just 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 26.0% from the field, 23.5% from three-point range, and 61.5% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage in the playoffs was a mere 34.1%.

Westbrook's flaws are well-documented throughout the league. He is one of the worst shooting guards in the NBA, and opponents often choose to leave him unguarded on the perimeter. Additionally, he is prone to turnovers and can be emotionally volatile, which can sometimes hurt his team. However, Westbrook also has notable strengths. At 35 years old, he still possesses impressive physical attributes, including speed and explosiveness. His ball-handling and playmaking skills remain strong, and his fearless mentality on the court is something many younger players lack.

The Nuggets' Situation

The Nuggets have had a challenging offseason. They traded away Reggie Jackson along with three second-round picks and then watched as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency. Both Jackson and Caldwell-Pope averaged over 10 points per game last season, leaving a significant gap in the Nuggets' backcourt. Adding Westbrook could help address this depth issue. His ability to handle the ball and drive to the basket could provide the Nuggets with a valuable offensive option off the bench.

During their championship season, the Nuggets benefited from the energy and versatility of Bruce Brown. Westbrook could potentially bring a similar spark, although he is not on the same level as Brown. Nonetheless, his presence could make the Nuggets' bench more dynamic and exciting.

However, Westbrook's weaknesses, particularly his poor shooting, remain a concern. Opponents might focus their defensive efforts on Jokic when Westbrook is on the court, potentially disrupting the Nuggets' offensive flow. The key to maximizing Westbrook's contribution will be managing his role and playing time effectively. He is best suited for a backup point guard position where his minutes and ball-handling duties are limited to prevent potential negative impacts on the team's performance.

The Reality of Westbrook's Current Situation

Westbrook's career trajectory has been significantly affected by his inability to develop a reliable outside shot. If he could consistently hit three-pointers at a 35% clip, he likely wouldn't have been traded so frequently or bought out twice in less than two years. At this stage in his career, Westbrook needs to focus on adapting his game to fit into a complementary role rather than trying to prove he is still an All-Star caliber player.

A Heartwarming Story

A story shared by Jokic’s father provides some insight into the relationship between Westbrook and Jokic. In 2019, during the All-Star game when Westbrook was still with the Thunder, he and Jokic developed a good rapport. Jokic jokingly asked Westbrook what gift he was planning to buy him for his upcoming birthday. To Jokic’s surprise, Westbrook actually bought him a gift. This anecdote highlights the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two players, adding an intriguing layer to the potential partnership.

Westbrook, the current all-time triple-double leader, and Jokic, a future candidate for the title, teaming up would be a fascinating storyline. However, it is important to temper expectations. Westbrook is now a minimum-salary player who needs a championship to solidify his legacy but, more importantly, needs to prove he still has value in the league. If managed correctly, Westbrook could help the Nuggets in their quest to repeat as champions. However, if he struggles to integrate, it could disrupt the team's rhythm, leading to another trade or buyout.

Conclusion

Westbrook’s journey has been tumultuous in recent years, marked by trades and buyouts largely due to his shooting struggles. His potential move to the Nuggets offers a glimmer of hope for both him and the team. If he can adapt and thrive in his new role, it could be a mutually beneficial partnership. Otherwise, this stint with the Nuggets might be his last chance to make a meaningful impact in the NBA.