Jazz are acquiring Russell Westbrook, this time in a sign and trade with Clippers for guard Kris Dunn.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news on social media.
“ESPN Sources: The Los Angeles Clippers are sending guard Russell Westbrook, a second-round pick swap and cash to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade agreement for guard Kris Dunn,” Worknarowski wrote.
In the historic trade deadline deal that sent Mike Conley to the Minnesota Timberwolves and a future first-round selection of the Los Angeles Lakers to Utah, Westbrook was briefly a member of the Jazz in 2023. Before Westbrook ever put on a uniform for the Jazz, he was waived, which made it possible for him to negotiate a contract with the Clippers.
Why Did Jazz Trade For Russell Westbrook Again?
In the wake of Paul George’s departure, the Clippers have been busy this summer trying to piece together a competitive roster around superstar Kawhi Leonard.
After signing free agents Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles had little wiggle room under the salary cap to acquire Dunn.
The Clippers needed to find a trade partner for Westbrook that would enable them to pay the buyout without going over their payroll limit in order to consummate the deal without incurring the luxury tax. By having more than $30 million in salary cap space and the opportunity to sign and trade Dunn, the Jazz were able to help the Clippers stay financially flexible by obtaining a future second-round draft pick and money to help cover Westbrook’s buyout.
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