What is Russell Westbrook's contract with Denver Nuggets? Breakdown of salary, duration and more

The Denver Nuggets’ not-so-secret pursuit of Russell Westbrook ended on Friday. After weeks of reported negotiation, the former MVP agreed to a two-year, $6.77 million contract to bring his talents to Mile High City. Westbrook’s former team, the LA Clippers, traded him to the Utah Jazz, prompting the point guard to settle for a buyout.

Once the Jazz and “Brodie” finalized the deal, the Nuggets swooped in to lure him to Denver. Per Spotrac, Westbrook will get $3.3 million next season and will have a $3.4 million player option after that. If he plays out his contract with the 2023 NBA champions, he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.

Westbrook’s arrival will reinforce a backcourt that will not have two key players from last season’s campaign. The Nuggets traded Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets and inevitably lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. “KCP” signed a three-year, $66 million contract with the Orlando Magic.

---

Russell Westbrook will likely come off the bench

Last season, Russell Westbrook sacrificed his spot in the starting lineup to accommodate James Harden. Westbrook’s unselfishness allowed LA Clippers coach Ty Lue to roll out a balanced roster. “Brodie” will likely have to continue doing that with the Denver Nuggets.

Denver has three point guards on the roster before training camp starts. Jamal Murray is Mike Malone’s starter while Jalen Pickett is likely the third-stringer. An off-the-bench role for Westbrook will be ideal for the Nuggets.

The former OKC Thunder superstar can work with or without Jamal Murray. As the team’s sixth man, he can help with the scoring and playmaking slack every time Nikola Jokic gets a breather. Westbrook can ably run the Nuggets offense if Malone takes out Murray and Jokic together.

If Murray isn’t on the floor, the Jokic-Westbrook pairing will be interesting. A new wrinkle in the former Clipper star’s game could be unveiled while playing alongside “The Joker.” Mike Malone surely has the framework of a strategy how to maximize what Westbrook brings to the team.

---

Nikola Jokic already reportedly called Russell Westbrook

Nikola Jokic reportedly asked the Denver Nuggets front office to go after Russell Westbrook. The three-time reigning MVP had to be happy when he informed that Westbrook agreed to a deal.

Joey Linn reported this on X, formerly Twitter:

“Nikola Jokic has been out of the country for the Olympics, but I’m told he’s already spoken to Russell Westbrook on the phone to welcome him to Denver and discuss their pairing next season.”

Nuggets fans must be raring to see how Westbrook adapts to playing with Jokic, Murray and Denver’s lineup.