A familiar face could return as Denver rounds out its roster.
The Denver Nuggets are bolstering their roster as they aim for another deep playoff run after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
This summer, the team traded for Jonas Valanciunas, giving three-time MVP Nikola Jokic a reliable backup center. Denver also acquired Cameron Johnson in a deal that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets. In free agency, the club signed Bruce brown and Tim Hardaway to one-year deals. Now, the Nuggets could round out their roster with additional backcourt depth.
According to Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, the team could target a reunion with nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook, who spent last season in Denver.
“There’s still some uncertainty behind Jamal Murray,” Benedetto wrote. “Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown are Denver’s best option to back up Murray.”
MORE: Nuggets linked to former Sixth Man of the Year for final roster spot
Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, but a return to the Nuggets remains possible — especially if the team lacks confidence in Pickett assuming the backup point guard role behind Murray.
Westbrook was fairly productive during the 2024-25 regular season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game across 75 appearances. However, he struggled in the Western Conference semifinals, where he averaged 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 34.8 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from three-point range.
Still, the veteran playmaker would provide valuable insurance off the bench for a contending team entering his 18th season.
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Category: Basketball
