Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors: Nuggets Have 'Tangible' Interest in Clippers PG

Derek White/WireImage The Denver Nuggets are reportedly the only team to show "tangible interest" in trading for Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Clippers are "openly exploring" the trade market for Westbrook despite him only being on the books for $4 million next season. Westbrook exercised his player option to remain in Los Angeles last month, but it appears the Clippers have no interest in bringing him back.

The future Hall of Famer averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season, marking career lows in several categories as he played behind James Harden. The Clippers re-signed Harden to a two-year, $70 million contract in free agency while adding guards Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr. in free agency, making Westbrook expendable.

Westbrook played the last season and a half with the Clippers. He's played for five different teams in the last six seasons, embarking on a journeyman career path that would have been completely unforeseen during his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Los Angeles Lakers are the only team Westbrook has played with since leaving OKC that has kept him on for more than 100 games.

Denver would be an interesting fit for Westbrook given his general ball dominance. The Nuggets play the vast majority of their possessions through center Nikola Jokić, and Westbrook is not the type of floor spacer who can make that work. Westbrook would likely be consigned to a bench role and play largely when Jokić needs a rest while serving as a cutter during the minutes they play together.