The Denver Nuggets know they must make radical changes to their roster to improve their chances of making it back to the NBA Finals. Their seven-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs showed that the team had to address some changes to their roster.
While defense was one issue the Nuggets had to deal with, having a reliable scorer to lead the second unit was also among the team’s priorities. While the team has its fair share of solid offensive players, the playoffs showed taht there needs to be another option if any of these players have an off night.
This is where Russell Westbrook comes in. While last season saw him have his worst statistical year as a professional player and critics are criticizing the front office for bringing him over, he’s still a solid player to add to any contending roster.
It seems that the interest isn’t as one-sided as what many fans thought as Westbrook reportedly pulled off a move to join the 2023 champs.
Report: Russell Westbrook missed out on big money to join the Denver Nuggets
You’d never think that a player of Westbrook’s status would give up on getting guaranteed money so he can join another team. However, Basketnews.com reported that the UCLA product was willing to let go a considerable chunk of his contract so he can join the Nuggets in a better financial situation:
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, Russell gave up almost half of his contract with the Utah Jazz, reducing his dead money cap hit from $4.0 million to $2.3 million.
With this decision, Russell Westbrook is now officially an unrestricted free agent, and unless any last-minute surprises happen, he will play for the West powerhouse in Colorado.
The Brodie didn’t have the best performance for the Clippers last season, averaging career lows in points per game (11.1) and assists (4.5). However, these numbers would do wonders for a Denver Nuggets team that badly needs a scorer and playmaker off the bench.
Fans will hope that Westbrook willl be the piece Mike Malone’s squad needed to return to the NBA Finals next season.
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