Veteran guard Russell Westbrook agrees to 2-year deal with Denver Nuggets, AP source says | saskNOW | Saskatchewan

By means of Canadian Press

Jul 26, 2024 | 2:00 PM

DENVER (AP) — 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.

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.