Six potential buyout destinations for Russell Westbrook

Yossi Gozlan
·3 min read

After almost a year of trade speculation, the Lakers have finally found a deal for Russell Westbrook. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are trading Westbrook and a future first-round pick to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Lakers receive D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

The former MVP has embraced his bench role with the Lakers this season, which will be key to extending his career. He leads all bench players in assists per game and is fourth in points per contest. He is bound to hit the buyout market considering that the Jazz are in a rebuild and have no fit for him. According to Bleacher Reports’ Chris Haynes, a buyout is the most likely solution for Westbrook.

Here are some teams that could use Westbrook this season should he receive a buyout.

Washington

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Westbrook had his most recent great season in Washington and his last averaging a triple-double. He had good chemistry with Bradley Beal and perhaps the Wizards would’ve happily kept him had the opportunity to join the Lakers not come along. They could use another point guard and this team with Kristaps Porzingis at center could provide adequate spacing for Westbrook to thrive in. The Wizards still have $2.2 million remaining of their mid-level exception to offer but would need to create a roster spot for him.

Dallas

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavericks are short on ballhandlers and playmakers outside of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving primarily. McKinley Wright IV has recently emerged as their primary point guard off the bench with Jaden Hardy being a solid tertiary option at times. Westbrook could be a solid option for them off the bench, especially in lineups paired with bigs like Christian Wood and Maxi Kleber who can shoot and space the floor. The Mavericks are limited to offering Westbrook a minimum contract this season.

Miami

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Heat could’ve used an upgrade at point guard but couldn’t address it at the trade deadline. Given how inconsistent Kyle Lowry has been, it could make sense to bring in Westbrook. It also would be interesting to see how he would fare under an extremely disciplined team run by head coach Erik Spoelstra. They still have $3.3 remaining of their mid-level exception, which they could use to sign Westbrook if needed while staying below the luxury tax.

Phoenix

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The Suns have been searching for backcourt help in the trade market. Chris Paul has been inconsistent and thankfully Cameron Payne has played really well, but that might not be enough come playoff time. If they cannot acquire backcourt reinforcements via trade, Westbrook could be a solid backup guard option. They still have $5.3 million remaining of their mid-level exception if they need to outbid the market for him.

LA Clippers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing Westbrook if he receives a buyout, according to Chris Haynes. They are still in the market for another point guard but with Kyrie Irving, Mike Conley, and D’Angelo Russell all off the board, their options are running out. If they cannot acquire one of the other top available guards like Fred VanVleet or Terry Rozier, Westbrook would be a solid option for them.

Chicago

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are also interested in signing Westbrook should he receive a buyout, according to Haynes. They’ve kept a deep point guard rotation in the absence of Lonzo Ball, who doesn’t seem ready to return anytime soon. They have $6 million remaining of their mid-level exception to offer but might be limited to offering him the minimum since they are just $1.7 million below the luxury tax.

Story originally appeared on HoopsHype

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