By now, the rumors about Russell Westbrook joining the Nuggets have become more than smoke and something bordering on fire. We heard that there was mutual interest between the team and Westbrook. Then we learned that Nikola Jokic is even pushing the Nuggets to go after Westbrook.
Beyond that, we also found out that the Clippers have no intention of keeping Westbrook on their roster. The Nuggets also still hold one open roster spot and have a glaring need for a backup point guard and a veteran ballhandler who can lead the second unit. Everything about this match makes a ton of sense. So what’s the hold-up?
Russell Westbrook still under contract with the Clippers
The complicating factor in the whole situation is that Westbrook is not a free agent. Despite knowing that his time playing for the Clippers was through, he decided to exercise his player option, guaranteeing a $4 million salary for the coming season.
It was quickly reported that despite the contract, Westbrook’s time with the Clippers was over and the team would work with him to find a trade. If Russ had opted out of his contract, he would have become a free agent and been able to sign with any team - including the Nuggets - but likely for a minimum contract, slightly less than the $4 million he’s due to make currently.
Nuggets and Clippers caught in a staring contest over Westbrook
Now it seems like it’s simply a matter of which side will blink first. The Clippers are scouring the market to find any potential suitor for Westbrook so that they can trade him for any possible return. They know the Nuggets just received a traded player exception in the Reggie Jackson deal that would fit Westbrook. The Clippers are probably angling for the Nuggets to use that TPE for Russ, thus creating an exception for the Clippers.
But the Nuggets, like everyone else, seem to have realized that there is no real market for Westbrook. They know the Clippers don’t want him back and they are calling the team’s bluff about keeping him on their roster heading into the season. They likely feel that by trading for Russ they would be bidding against themselves and believe that if LA can’t find a trade they’ll buy out Russ’ contract.
That would allow Westbrook to finally hit free agency and sign another deal, namely a minimum contract to join the Nuggets. At this point, those seem to be the two options on the table (barring a third team getting involved). Both sides seem willing to wait for now, but somebody has to blink eventually and the most likely outcome is still Westbrook joining the Nuggets for next season.