Russell Westbrook will undoubtedly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer once his playing days in the NBA are over.
However, it’s been quite a while since he was put in a good situation, and his reputation around the league has taken a big toll.
Now, the former MVP is currently in talks with the Utah Jazz for a potential buyout, leaving the door wide open for him to get to a place where he’s actually valued.
Notably, there has been plenty of early interest in his services, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Washington Wizards are all looking forward to signing him.
.@wojespn reports that Russell Westbrook has communicated with the Bulls, Clippers, Wizards and Heat about possible buyout destinations.
(via NBA Countdown) pic.twitter.com/CTwVTX00cb
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 16, 2023
The Jazz have also reportedly let him know that he’s welcome to stay if he wants to, but they won’t make any promises about playing time with all their young players looking for minutes.
Westbrook still has plenty left in the tank, and he was playing as one of the leading candidates to win Sixth Man of the Year, but no one was willing to pay him nearly $50 million a year.
So, now that he’s likely taking just a veteran minimum deal, multiple teams could certainly use an offensive catalyst like him coming off the bench.
He could even slide into the Bulls’ or Clippers’ starting lineup right away, with the latter being perhaps the most appealing destination with a reunion with Paul George also on the table.
Wherever he lands, you better believe he’ll have a chip on his shoulder to try and prove he’s far from done.
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