Russell Westbrook agrees to two-year contract with Nuggets

FILE – Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook moves onto the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, April 7, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

DENVER — Russell Westbrook has agreed to a two-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, a source with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.

The deal gives Denver a much-needed backup point guard to oft-injured star Jamal Murray, and gives the 35-year-old veteran and nine-time All-Star a chance to play with a championship contender that is just a year removed from its first NBA title.

Westbrook, 35, will make the minimum salary of $3,303,711 next season with a player option for a minimum salary in 2025-26 worth $3,468,960, said the person, who asked not to be identified to discuss details of the deal that brings a former MVP to a team that lacked depth in the playoffs this summer.

READ: NBA: Westbrook traded to Jazz, expected to join Nuggets

Nikola Jokic backed the push to back Westbrook after the Nuggets were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by Minnesota, whose lack of depth cost them a seven-game series against the towering Timberwolves and their deep rotation.

Westbrook averaged a career-low 11.1 points per game last season for the Los Angeles Clippers, whom Dallas defeated in the first round of the playoffs.

Westbrook averaged 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in a career-low 22.5 minutes per game last season.

READ: NBA: Russell Westbrook Week by Week After Hand Surgery

The Utah Jazz acquired Westbrook from the Clippers last week in a sign-and-trade deal for point guard Kris Dunn. The Jazz made the move with the expectation that they would buy out Westbrook’s contract so he could sign with the Nuggets, and they let him go on Saturday.

The Nuggets were in dire need of more guards after parting with veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson this offseason.