The Los Angeles Clippers have acquired guard Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz in exchange for guard Russell Westbrook, a right to swap second-round draft picks in 2030, the draft rights to center Balsa Koprivica, and cash considerations, the teams announced on Thursday.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, once Westbrook clears waivers, the expectation is that he’ll join the Denver Nuggets as a free agent.
“Russ is an all-time great, and we were fortunate to have him here,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank in press release. “He lifted the energy and intensity of the group. We look forward to seeing him continue his decorated career.”
Westbrook, 35, appeared in 89 games over the last two seasons with the Clippers, averaging 12.2 points, 5.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds.
The 16-year NBA veteran has appeared in 1,162 games and holds career averages of 21.7 points, 8.1 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. A Los Angeles native, Westbrook won the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player, is a nine-time All-NBA honoree (two first-team selections), nine-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), two-time NBA scoring champion, 2012 Olympic gold medalist with the United States and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Westbrook gives Denver more depth in the backcourt; if injuries occur, he can be an excellent insurance policy.
According to Wojnarowski, Dunn will join the Clippers on a three-year deal that’ll have a team option in last year,
Dunn, 30, averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 66 games for the Jazz last season. The 6-foot-3 guard has appeared in 333 career games with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Jazz, averaging 7.9 points, 4.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
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