Russell Westbrook, Nuggets Agree To Two-Year, $6.8M Deal

[RealGM Wiretap]

Russell Westbrook has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a two-year, $6.8 million contract. Westbrook will hold a player option for the 25-26 season.

Westbrook became a free agent after he was bought out by the Utah Jazz following his trade from the LA Clippers.

Westbrook, who is now represented by Jeff Schwartz after parting ways with his longtime agent Thad Foucher in 2022, averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes over 68 games with the Clippers last season.

In joining the Nuggets, Westbrook will play a reserve role and also be a spot starter. As the Nuggets move younger with the departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, the acquisition of Westbrook gives them a veteran presence. Depending on his corner three-point shooting, Westbrook will give the Nuggets a similar element they had in 2023 with Bruce Brown Jr. 

Via Shams Charania/The Athletic

[stlboy]

Why is this guy taking lowball deals? He’s at least worth 14million for 2yrs.

[hb-robo]

Why is this guy taking lowball deals? He’s at least worth 14million for 2yrs.

Teams had the money and didn’t offer that so that is surely incorrect. Only contenders really have any interest in him and they generally have less financial space to work with.

[purpleswordfish]

Why is this guy taking lowball deals? He’s at least worth 14million for 2yrs.

So first, there aren't a lot of teams with the space for that sort of deal. Second, there aren't teams within that parameter that Russell Westbrook wants to play for this year. Third, there aren't a ton of teams where he's a fit.

This was the best combo of fit and money for Westbrook. Honestly, I can't imagine money matters all that much to him unless he wasn't good with his money earned earlier in his career.