Clippers Find Russell Westbrook Replacement in Sign-and-Trade Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers have finally found a deal for veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, whose name has been floated in trade rumors/discussions over the last few weeks.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Clippers are sending Westbrook, a second-round pick swap, and cash to the Utah Jazz for veteran Kris Dunn in a sign-and-trade deal. 

Wojnarowski adds that Westbrook is expected to be bought out by the Jazz and join the Denver Nuggets after he clears waivers. The Nuggets were consistently linked to Westbrook throughout the offseason.

As for Dunn, he’s getting a three-year, $17 million deal from the Clippers, per Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report.

For the Clippers, Dunn is a solid addition at the point guard spot as he gives them defense off the bench. This past season with the Jazz, the former first-round pick only averaged 5.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. 

As for his advanced metrics, the 6-foot-3 point guard had an ORtg (offensive rating) of 116 and a DRtg (defensive rating) of 118. While Clipper fans are excited to see that offensive rating, they would like for that defensive rating to be slightly lower.

That said, Dunn has a career DRtg of 111 – perfect for a Clippers team that lost Paul George in the offseason and will need someone to help James Harden, who doesn’t add any defense.

However, this isn’t a huge needle-mover signing for the Clippers, who will look different next season as they try to move on from life without George and Westbrook.

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