Clippers News: WC Rivals Come to Russell Westbrook’s Rescue, Open Doors For Nikola Jokic’s Dream

Various surprise trades and acquisitions continue as the offseason hails forward. Russell Westbrook may end up joining that bracket since the Clippers are reportedly “working on trades to move” the player, despite him exercising the player option. The Nuggets have recently emerged as the next place he can call home, with lead scorer Nikola Jokic reportedly “pushing behind the scenes”. While complications were dominating the potential trade, they seem to have been solved thanks to the Clippers’ Western Conference Rivals.

A few hours ago, NBA reporter Tony Jones took to his official X account to provide an update on the potential Russell Westbrook trade. According to him, Utah is looking to trade point guard/shooting guard Kris Dunn to the Clippers through a ‘sign-and-trade’. If the same goes through, then the franchise will have a new point guard on their roster, allowing them to cut ties with Westbrook.

The decision to trade Westbrook was taken just days after it was revealed that the franchise wouldn’t extend a qualifying offer to Brandon Boston Jr. while Derrick Jones Jr. was reportedly signed. The Clippers are moving more toward forming a team around younger players that will complement James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Westbrook, who will be turning 36, does not fit that criteria.

On the other hand, the Nugs have reportedly failed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and having to rely on a host of mid-to-late 1st round picks, the 2023 champions are currently in a precarious position. At the same time, Westbrook is reportedly looking to secure a Championship ring. All of this, combined with Nikola Jokic’s interest, paves the way for the 35-year-old to don the midnight blue jersey next season.

“This isn’t the first time he’s (Jokic) wanted to play with him (Westbrook) in Denver either,” confirmed Harrison Wind on X. “Westbrook would give Michael Malone a trusted, veteran ball handler, which is something the Nuggets need right now.”

Russell Westbrook once denounced the comparisons between him and Nikola Jokic: “Ain’t nobody like me”

Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic have been on-court rivals for over 12 years now. During this period, both individuals created a reputation of being formidable scorers, securing more triple-doubles than any of their teammates or rivals. The Clippers star currently holds the record for the most career triple-doubles at 199, while Nikola Jokic, with 130, occupies the 4 rank overall and the 2 rank amongst active players. Due to this, there has been a basis for people to form a comparison between the two athletes.

Westbrook was questioned about the same back in April. As the reporter proceeded to call Jokic a ‘triple-double’ monster like the Clippers star, the latter replied, “Well listen, ain’t nobody like me. Ain’t nobody like me. We’re gonna stop that right there”.

“Nobody like me. Nikola is a hell of a player, but he’s not me, I’m not him. Obviously, he’s won MVP, a tough guard, excellent passer, knows how to play the right way, competes hard,” he concluded. A possible Jokic-Westbrook partnership would pave the way for the Denver Nuggets to bring out a required change in terms of offense. At the same time, however, it may end up creating some competition between the duo over who could get more triple-doubles to their name.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.