LA Clippers President Reveals Latest on Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors

The LA Clippers are still exploring different Russell Westbrook trades

Apr 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) goes up for a dunk in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It has been reported for weeks that the LA Clippers are expected to trade nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook. While no deal has materialized yet, it was reported on Monday by Shams Charania of The Athletic that the Clippers are still looking to move Westbrook, and the Denver Nuggets remain a frontrunner if he hits free agency.

"The Clippers and Russell Westbrook plan to part ways this offseason, and the franchise continues to discuss trades for the former NBA MVP, team and league sources said. The Denver Nuggets are a front-runner to sign Westbrook if he becomes a free agent," Charania wrote.

Speaking with reporters in Las Vegas on Monday, Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was asked about Westbrook, and seemed to confirm the team is working with he and his agency to find a better situation for him.

"Since the time he opted in, with [Paul George] leaving as well, we've worked with his agent to see where there is the best fit for Russ," Frank said.

I asked Lawrence Frank about Russell Westbrook.

Frank: “Russ is a tremendous fucking player…”

Said the Clippers are working with Russ and his agency to figure out what’s best for him next season. pic.twitter.com/nIdt77JrYt

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 15, 2024

Westbrook picked up his $4M player option for next season, so the only way he hits free agency is if he is waived by the Clippers or a team they trade him to. Based on Charania's reporting, it seems Westbrook landing in Denver would come via free agency as opposed to a trade, which makes sense for a few reasons.

Can confirm that Nikola Jokic has been pushing the Denver Nuggets to acquire Russell Westbrook.

I’m told DeAndre Jordan has also been advocating for what Westbrook could bring Denver on and off the floor.

Clippers exploring several potential trades involving Westbrook, but even…

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) July 1, 2024

With Denver expected to be Westbrook's preferred destination, the Nuggets have little reason to send the Clippers assets in exchange for the 2017 league MVP. The Clippers have made it clear that Westbrook's time in LA is over, and teams around the league are aware of the mutual interest between he and the Nuggets, so Denver has the luxury of waiting for the point guard to hit free agency.

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