The Denver Nuggets' rotation could benefit from a veteran presence on and off the floor, especially in the backcourt.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook recently opted in to his player option for next season, but a trade remains within the realm of possibilities. According to Nuggets reporter Harrison Wind, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is pushing the front office to acquire Westbrook.
“Nikola Jokic has pushed behind the scenes for the Nuggets to get Russell Westbrook," Wind wrote. "This isn’t the first time he’s wanted to play with him in Denver either. Westbrook would give Michael Malone a trusted, veteran ball handler, which is something the Nuggets need right now.“
Nikola Jokic has pushed behind the scenes for the Nuggets to get Russell Westbrook. This isn’t the first time he’s wanted to play with him in Denver either. Westbrook would give Michael Malone a trusted, veteran ball handler, which is something the Nuggets need right now.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) July 1, 2024
Trey Alexander and Justin Holiday are listed as the backup guards on the Nuggets' depth chart, further proving their need for assistance. Westbrook averaged 11.1 points and 4.5 assists on 45.4% shooting last season in a limited role with the Clippers (22.5 minutes per game). While he's lost a step of explosiveness, it's clear the 35-year-old is committed to winning his first career championship.
Clippers reporter Joey Linn backs up Wind's claim, writing, "Can confirm that Nikola Jokic has been pushing the Denver Nuggets to acquire Russell Westbrook. I’m told DeAndre Jordan has also been advocating for what Westbrook could bring Denver on and off the floor."
