Russell

Westbrook

Westbrook’s agreement is now official over a week after he was traded to Utah with the expectation that he would eventually join the Nuggets. Russ will look to help bolster Denver’s bench unit after they ranked 25th in bench points per game last season.

Westbrook has been waived by the Jazz twice over the last 17 months. The second instance occurred days after he was sent to Utah as part of the Kris Dunn sign-and-trade. After clearing waivers, Westbrook is expected to agree to a deal with the Nuggets.

Westbrook is expected to reach a buyout agreement with the Jazz so that he can join the Denver Nuggets in free agency. His fantasy outlook isn’t great coming off the bench behind fringe All-Star Jamal Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, so don’t expect him to increase his value after averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season.

Westbrook opted into the final season of his contract at the start of free agency, but that move did not guarantee that he’ll remain with the Clippers. Law Murray of The Athletic reported as much in late June, and on Monday, Frank said the team was working with Westbrook’s agent to see if there could be a better fit for the veteran point guard elsewhere. With James Harden being re-signed, remaining in Los Angeles would likely result in Westbrook falling out of the rotation. That would not be good for his already low fantasy value.

After making 21 regular-season appearances for the Clippers during the 2022-23 campaign, the 2023-24 was Westbrook’s first full season with the team. Appearing in 68 games, the veteran point guard averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 3-pointers in 22.5 minutes. He shifted to the backup point guard role after the Clippers acquired James Harden from the 76ers (he started James’ first five games with the team). Westbrook’s fantasy potential in 2024-25 will be impacted by multiple factors, including Harden’s free agency and whether or not the Clippers sign another point guard if The Beard re-signs. Also, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, there’s no guarantee that Westbrook will be with the team next season despite opting in.

In what could be his final game as a Clipper, Westbrook offered little value in Game 6. Tyronn Lue needed more scoring, especially with P.J. Tucker starting, which led to Los Angeles effectively going with a six-man rotation. Westbrook entered the season with a Yahoo ADP of 109.3, a generous placement for a veteran point guard whose role would be limited. Give Russ credit for willingly taking a step back after the Clippers added James Harden, but his days as a consistently relevant fantasy option may have ended. Westbrook has a player option for the 2024-25 season and will be, at best, a late-round pick in deep leagues.

After getting tangled up with Luka Doncic, Westbrook shoved Doncic away from him and threw push at PJ Washington after that. There were plenty of words exchanged as well, which ended Westbrook’s night halfway through the fourth quarter. He had one point on 1-of-7 shooting, so this was certainly a frustrating night for him.

Harden has dealt with foot and knee soreness recently, and with the Clippers locked into their first-round matchup, there’s no need to have him play. Westbrook is healthy but is sitting for the same reason. As for Jones, his signing became official on Saturday, and his absence does not impact the Clippers’ rotation.

Harden was able to play in their last game after missing their two previous games. However, he only played 10 minutes, as Ty Lue benched his starters early in this game. Russell Westbrook may start in his place if Harden is sidelined, but Bones Hyland will see the bulk of the minutes at point guard either way.

Harden returns to the Clippers lineup after a two-game absence, meaning Russell Westbrook will come off the bench. The Clippers remain without Kawhi Leonard (knee), who has not appeared in a game since March 31.