After a disastrous stint playing for a LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers team, former MVP Russell Westbrook found a new lease on life with the Los Angeles Clippers. With his move to the Denver Nuggets now official, the All-Star guard will be leaving the the team behind with a sincere parting message.
Westbrook is headed to Mile High City after being traded from the Clippers to the Utah Jazz. In a twist, the latter are expected to reach a buyout agreement with the All-Star guard, clearing the way for him to join the Nuggets as a free agent.

The Clippers traded Westbrook to the Jazz in exchange for Kris Dunn, who will execute a sign-and-trade with Utah. The Clippers also sent a second-round pick to the Jazz in the deal.
Westbrook, a former MVP, has bounced around the league in recent years, playing for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Lakers and Clippers over the past five seasons. Last season with the Paul George-led team, he averaged 11.1 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while struggling with his three-point shooting.
The Nuggets, who won the NBA championship in 2023 but fell in the second round this year, are in need of a backup point guard. Westbrook’s fit for that role remains a question mark, especially with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic handling most of the team’s offense. The Clippers, meanwhile, continue to reshape their roster, having also lost star George to the Sixers in free agency.
Russell Westbrook Bids Los Angeles Clippers Farewell With Parting Message After Being Traded to the Denver Nuggets

With his move to Denver now official, NBA fans are intrigued to see how the former Oklahoma City Thunder will fit there. Before that, though, the Brodie posted a parting message for the Clippers and their fans on his official account on X.
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In less than two seasons with the Clippers, Westbrook has mostly played a reserve role behind George, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard. During that period, the All-Star guard averaged 12.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

It remains to be seen what version of Westbrook will fans get once the new season starts. If it’s anything like his stint with the Clippers, the Nuggets just gained a productive asset for their bench unit.

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