After an extended waiting period into the 2024 NBA free agency period, the Denver Nuggets are in line to acquire their backup point guard.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers are trading Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz as part of a sign-and-trade to acquire Kris Dunn. The Clippers are also sending a second-round pick as part of the deal.

Woj says, in an addendum to the trade information, that Westbrook is expected to sign with the Nuggets after the Jazz release him and he clears waivers.

Westbrook will turn 36 at the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season, his 17th year in the NBA. The longtime star and starting point guard has assumed a majority bench role for the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers over the last two seasons. In 2023-24, Westbrook played 68 games, averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes per game.

Though Westbrook’s efficiency numbers have never been high, his impact remains solid at this stage of his career due to a higher level of commitment on the defensive end and relentless pressure on the rim. Westbrook draws consistent attention from opposing defenses, and his willingness to play hard helped him stay impactful for a Los Angeles Clipper team that was chaotic at best and lethargic at worst.

In Denver, the expectation is that Westbrook will be the sixth man off the bench, filling a similar role to the one he filled in LA. With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departing, there is a hole in Denver’s starting five, but it’s expected that third-year wing Christian Braun will step into that role for defense, athleticism, and possibly some floor spacing depending on his outside jumper. The Nuggets know they need a ball handler to replace Reggie Jackson, who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets earlier this offseason. Westbrook is a great candidate for that spot.

How this ends up working out though is anyone’s guess. Westbrook has had a difficult time adjusting to a bench role after being a star for so long. With the Nuggets in championship contention mode, they need everyone around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to fill their roles perfectly, something that happened in 2022-23 and allowed the franchise to win its first ever championship. Can Westbrook be the spark off the bench that Bruce Brown was for Denver? Talent wise, the answer is yes. Fit wise, it’s wait-and-see.

Still, this was the expectation in Denver for a while that Westbrook would be here. Nikola Jokic expressed his interest in Westbrook coming to the Nuggets, and if there’s anywhere that Westbrook can contribute to a championship run at this stage of his career, it’s Denver. The Jokic-Westbrook pairing will be unique. The Murray-Westbrook pairing will be fascinating. Perhaps Westbrook can also set the table for shooters like Michael Porter Jr. and Julian Strawther.

Whatever the case, it’s going to be a lively 2024-25 season for Westbrook and the Nuggets.