NBA trade news broke out and it featured Russell Westbrook ending up wearing a Denver Nuggets jersey in the upcoming 2024–25 season, teaming up with three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. This move by the Colorado-based franchise, which aims to bring back the championship to their city, drew strong criticism from veteran sports journalist Skip Bayless.
The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a sign-and-trade deal, sending the 2017 NBA MVP to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kendrick Nunn. The Jazz will also receive a second-round pick swap and cash as part of the deal. After which, Utah is expected to buyout Westbrook’s contract so he can sign with the Denver Nuggets.

The off season was tough for the 2023 NBA champions, as they had to let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sign with the Orlando Magic, leaving a void in the guard rotation. Filling in the need, the Nuggets see Westbrook fill in the role and, at the same time, help out Jamal Murray at the point guard position.
The idea of bringing Westbrook to an established culture set by the Nuggets was not agreed upon by some critics, including Skip Bayless, who aired his sentiments on social media. The host of “Undisputed on FS1” brings out the nine-time NBA All-Star’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have failed to bring back a championship to the franchise since 2020.
“Joker, beware: Once, LeBron pushed for the Lakers to go get Russell Westbrook. Pretty soon LeBron was pushing even harder for the Lakers to get rid of him,” posts Bayless on X.
Joker, beware: Once, LeBron pushed for the Lakers to go get Russell Westbrook. Pretty soon LeBron was pushing even harder for the Lakers to get rid of him.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 18, 2024

Adding Russell Westbrook lauded by former Denver Nuggets head coach
While there are critics of the addition of Russell Westbrook to the Denver Nuggets, there are other reputable figures on the other end of the spectrum who feel this move is beneficial to the team. Coach George Karl, who coached the Nuggets from 2005 to 2013, is one of them, and he expressed his opinion on social media.
“I love Russ in Denver. Puts the Nuggets back on top of the West. Russ is a tough dude, a dawg. A warrior. He brings incredible athleticism and experience. He will play great alongside and behind Jamal. Let’s go,” Karl posts.
I love Russ in Denver. Puts the Nuggets back on top of the West.
Russ is a tough dude, a dawg. A warrior. He brings incredible athleticism and experience. He will play great alongside and behind Jamal.
Let’s go 💪 pic.twitter.com/f4qVqNyhyl
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) July 18, 2024

Westbrook has spent the last one-and-a-half seasons with the LA Clippers and has appeared in 89 games. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals a night.
For more NBA content:
Follow me on X at @ErnestLeo, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics. You can also reach out to Ernest Hernandez via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest NBA news, click here!
Ernest also handles a YouTube account called Sports On Air, which has over 102 thousand subscribers. The channel contains interviews predominantly from the Philippine Basketball Association. They can be reached through [email protected].