Russell Westbrook's first request as a Nugget was reportedly denied

LA Clippers fans know by now that Russell Westbrook will not be coming back to Los Angeles for the 2024-25 NBA season. After his mostly subpar season with the Clippers, Russ opted to take a contract offer from the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

It seemed that Westbrook wanted a change of scenery, and it is likely something that will benefit both he and the Clippers. The fanbase will wish that things had ended differently between the team and the Southern California native, but Russ will be moving on nonetheless.

As he prepares to become part of the Nuggets' rotation, Westbrook reportedly made a request that was denied. Initially desiring his typical 0 jersey number, Russ will instead be donning the number 4 for Denver.

Russ was not granted the number 0 jersey he desired

How did this happen? According to DNVR Sports media personality Harrison Wind, Westbrook inquired about the number 0 from the current holder of the number, Christian Braun. After Braun denied Russ' request, he instead opted to go with the number 4 after Hunter Tyson agreed to relinquish it to Westbrook for free.

It will perhaps be strange to see Russ without his signature number, but not all that strange considering he wore the number 4 during his spectacular season with the Washington Wizards in 2020-21. In fact, that year was arguably Westbrook's best individual season since he left Oklahoma City.

Clippers fans that choose to continue following along with Russ next season will be watching him play in a new number. Perhaps he can channel some of that same energy he brought to Washington four years ago and continue making Los Angeles proud in the process.