NBA

Clippers receive: PG Kris Dunn

Jazz receive: PG Russell Westbrook, second-round pick and cash

There were talks of Los Angeles waiving Westbrook, and it would’ve been better off doing that instead of this trade.

Kris Dunn is a fine defensive-minded guard, but a three-year, $17 million contract is too rich for a player of his caliber, even if the third year is a team option. To make matter worse, the Clippers surrendered a second-round selection and cash. This is a low-leverage move, so it’s hard to dislike it too much for Los Angeles, but the team should’ve taken the simpler route and waived the nine-time All-Star.

The Jazz are simply receiving a second-round pick and cash to facilitate Westbrook’s move to the Nuggets, which is fine for a Utah club flush with cap room. By principle, though, I’m not a fan of having dead cap hits.

Westbrook will soon join Denver, presumably for the league minimum, and he’ll fill a huge void left by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson in the backcourt. The guard will be relied on for decent minutes if Christian Braun, Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett don’t contribute.

Clippers Grade: C-

Jazz Grade: B-