The Denver Nuggets have yet to make a major offseason move and they are limited in terms of their options. However, one could involve them landing a future Hall of Famer. After LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook opted into his contract, Marc Stein reports that the Clippers were looking to trade him and that Westbrook would be willing to play for Denver.
Aside from the initial surprise of Westbrook wanting to play in Denver, it seems that Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic wants to play with him too. Getting him on the Nuggets is a bit tricky despite him having just a $4 million salary for next season, with Denver having a little tradeable salary and them being close to the second apron. The Nuggets could arrange a three-team trade to help them land Westbrook or hope the Clippers waive him.
If they were to acquire him, Westbrook, despite his clear flaws, would give them a boost in their second unit. While his shot selection and 3-point shooting are clear issues, his ability to push the pace and create shots for teammates is still useful. Moreover, if Jokic wants the Nuggets to acquire Westbrook, he must feel confident that Westbrook can help them and Jokic's passing would help generate high percentage shots for him when they play together.
The Phoenix Suns also make sense as a potential landing spot.
The Phoenix Suns should also consider taking a chance on Westbrook, given their need at point guard. The Suns underachieved last season despite having Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, with their lack of a traditional shot creator being blamed for some of their woes.
Injuries also played a big part, with their big three going 26-15 when they played together and 23-18 when at least one of those three players sat. Westbrook wouldn't solve their health issue but he could give them an upgrade at point guard.
At the moment, Booker and Monte Morris are their only options; leaving them thin at point guard and adding Westbrook would not only help with depth but also help them on the floor. He spent eight years playing alongside Durant in Oklahoma City and a season playing alongside Beal in Washington and he should be able to help generate easier shots for them. Ultimately, with the Nuggets and Suns having limited options, both teams should strongly consider acquiring Westbrook.