In a significant move for the Denver Nuggets, former MVP Russell Westbrook has officially signed a two-year deal with the team. Westbrook's agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, confirmed that the contract will be a veteran minimum deal with a player option for the 2025-2026 season.

According to a source familiar with the contract details, the deal is worth $6.8 million. Westbrook, who was present in Denver to finalize the agreement on Friday, joins the Nuggets after being traded by the LA Clippers to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal involving guard Kris Dunn. This trade, which also included a second-round pick swap, allowed for Westbrook to join the Nuggets once he was waived by the Jazz, which occurred last Saturday.

The addition of Westbrook addresses a pressing need for the Nuggets, as they were in search of a veteran backup point guard who could provide energy, strong defense, and step in as a spot starter. The departures of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson in free agency left a void in their backcourt that Westbrook can now fill.

Teaming up with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Westbrook brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to the Nuggets. With an impressive 199 career triple-doubles, Westbrook holds the all-time record, while Jokic ranks fourth with 130. This dynamic duo is expected to bring a new level of excitement to the team and elevate their performance on the court.

In the 2020-2021 season, Westbrook averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in just 22.5 minutes per game. Despite transitioning from a starting role to a sixth-man position after the Clippers acquired James Harden, Westbrook showcased his versatility and ability to impact the game in various ways.

With this new contract in place, Westbrook is poised to make a significant contribution to the Nuggets' pursuit of a championship. His arrival strengthens their roster, and fans are eagerly anticipating the forthcoming season to see the explosive partnership between Westbrook and Jokic unfold on the court.