Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook have spoken about Nuggets pairing

Russell Westbrook is officially a member of the Denver Nuggets. After a buyout with the Utah Jazz, Westbrook cleared waivers and signed with the 2023 NBA champions. The deal came after weeks of reports suggesting Denver was the favorite to acquire Westbrook if he were to be traded to the LA Clippers, and it became official on Friday.

While mutual interest between Westbrook and the Nuggets was reported, it was also reported that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic was among the Nuggets players pushing Westbrook. Sources confirmed that was the case and have since revealed that the two MVPs have already spoken on the phone about pairing up next season:

Sources told Denver Nuggets SI that Westbrook and Jokic were introduced by veteran center DeAndre Jordan, who was also one of the leaders in the trade of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate to the Nuggets.

The conversation consisted of Jokic welcoming Westbrook to the team, along with some of the visions both players have for their duo next season. Westbrook’s 199 career triple-doubles rank first all-time, while Jokic’s 130 rank fourth. It’s possible that Westbrook will tie his NBA record of 200 triple-doubles with Jokic next season, as the 2017 MVP has recorded a triple-double every year of his career except for the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.

Westbrook should help Jokic and Jamal Murray a lot with ball handling next season, something the team really needs.

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