After the Clippers traded Russell Westbrook to the Jazz, the franchise was more than likely to waive him. It only took them two days to announce the same, leaving Brodie to explore the market. In the past few days, Westbrook seemed likely to sign with the Nuggets, and now he’s officially done it. This is also the second time he was waived by the Jazz, the first one being during the 2023 trade deadline. Well, he’s found a new home and after a year and a half with the Clippers, Russ is part of a much bigger contender in the West.

Westbrook signed a two-year $6.8 million contract with the Nuggets. Now, his value in the market has decreased as compared to last year. Russ signed a two-year contract worth $7.8 million with the Clippers. But the question is, how productive he can be alongside Nikola Jokic and Murray? They recently won their first title and are still a threat in the West. That being said, they also lost their key player this offseason, KCP.

Will Westbrook fill Pope’s spot as a shooting guard? The Nuggets might not expect him to become a reliable shooting guard. Instead, Russ can be a great veteran presence while also playing the role of a backup scorer. The Nuggets have done a decent job adding Brodie and deepening their roster. Now, this does not completely impact the Nuggets roster but gives them a veteran who is consistent when needed the most. In the past few years, Russell Westbrook has turned out to be more consistent when coming off the bench.

The great thing about the Nuggets is that the core of the team is still active. They have the Joker, Murray, Gordon, and MPJ. These four make up the solid core of the roster. Now, Russ won’t be the favorable fifth man, but given that the top four players consist of a guard, a center, and two forwards, Westbrook might just cut it. But this won’t be for their starting lineup. Russ can pair up with these guys going into the second half initially. If things play out the way they should, the coaching staff shall consider giving him a spot in the starting lineup.

Russell Westbrook can finally hope for a title run

Now, the Clippers were also quite the contenders, but injuries got the best out of them. During the 2023 postseason, Westbrook carried the Clippers against the Suns as Kawhi and PG went down with an injury. But with the Nuggets, Westbrook will have a more defined role. He will be a veteran to all in Denver, but that doesn’t change the fact that he will contribute in the most crucial moments like he had in the past. There are others to look out for, the Wolves, the Thunder, as well as the Mavs.

Of course, the Nuggets are a part of that list, but they’ll have to prove the same next year. The 2023 title run wasn’t just a one-and-done deal. Denver is still a contender going into the next season. Led by the three-time MVP, the squad is yet to make noise in the West. What are your thoughts on the Nuggets signing Westbrook? Do you think Russ is a great addition? Let us know in the comments.

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