In Pictures: Russell Westbrook hits the hardwood for practice ahead of 17th season in the league with new franchise

Russell Westbrook was spotted hitting the floor amid his expected move to the Denver Nuggets. The former MVP was traded by the LA Clippers to the Utah Jazz earlier this month and was waived by the franchise, clearing his route to link up with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in Denver. The latest about the guard saw him take the hardwood to get some reps in ahead of the upcoming season.

Dressed in a pair of pastel green Jordan shorts and tee, and crisp white sneakers, Westbrook was seen sweating it out getting in the reps for the upcoming season.

Russell Westbrook will ply his trade for the Nuggets in what will be his 17th season in the NBA. The 9x NBA All-Star has played for the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, LA Lakers, and crosstown rivals Clippers before finding a new home for the 2024-25 season. Yet to win a ring in his career, the 35-year-old will hope he will have a chance to win one with the Nuggets.

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Nikola Jokic greenlit Russell Westbrook trade

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic greenlit the Russell Westbrook trade. It is no secret that the Serbian has been a fan of the mercurial guard's style of play. The Nuggets were on the lookout for another guard after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic earlier this summer.

Westbrook was a target for the Nuggets, and now they will have the guard suiting up for the Nuggets next season. Per Bennett Durand of the Denver Post:

“The Nuggets value the opinion of their superstar and take it into account when assessing potential roster moves, like most teams do. In this case? Jokic has spent time around Westbrook at multiple All-Star Games and has always admired his game, as well as his competitiveness and intensity, one source said, making Westbrook an appealing teammate.”

Westbrook spent a season and a half with the Clippers and made the playoffs with the side for two consecutive seasons. He comes off a playoff run averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks, shooting 45.4% from the field, 27.3% from beyond the arc, and 68.8% from the free throw line.

Earlier, he penned a heartfelt tribute to the Clippers fans on Instagram saying, "To ALL of MY fans! You guys don't know how much your support means to me. Y'all keep me motivated and energized. I've got the most loyal and amazing fans in sports."

Now as the season countdown begins, Russell Westbrook appears to have started putting in the work already.