Which teams can sign Russell Westbrook in free agency if his contract is bought out by Utah Jazz?
Reports of Russell Westbrook being involved in trade talks emerged Wednesday, a day before the NBA's trade deadline. It's highly likely that the Utah Jazz could end up with a veteran star player, but could be bought out by the same team once the trade becomes a reality.
Only a handful of teams would be willing to sign Westbrook, if he gets dealt to and then bought out by the Jazz. His experience is still valuable and shouldn't be overlooked. Though his playstyle isn't the best fit for most teams, he can still be a reliable option.
Russell Westbrook is expected to be bought out if he’s traded to Utah, per @ChrisBHaynes https://t.co/KY4wzSHxvk
Here are three possible destinations for Westbrook in case the Jazz buys him out.
Also read: Russell Westbrook's trade rumors to Utah Jazz in exchange of D'Angelo Russell has NBA fans in meltdown mode: "He should just retire he’s washed"
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have struggled to get consistent production from Kyle Lowry this season. There have been reports saying the Heat management isn't happy with how the veteran star is playing.
Lowry is averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season, which are decent numbers. But shooting 39.6%, especially 33.3% from 3-point range, isn't what's going on for the Heat.
The Miami Heat have been linked to Russell Westbrook in a buyout situation, per @EricPincus https://t.co/PfRyEkUAo3
Adding Westbrook wouldn't be the answer to Miami's concerns. Still, he has played better than Lowry this season. Some experts have reported that this trade is a possibility as well.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls could swoop on the scene once Westbrook becomes available. They've had trouble getting production from the backcourt this season. Their starting point guard, Lonzo Ball, has not played a single game this season due to injuries.
Additionally, the point guard duties have fallen into the hands of Ayo Dosunmu and Alex Caruso. Caruso has been great as a backup point guard, but Dosunmu seems to be struggling to help out a team that's trying hard to contend this season.
Adding the nine-time All-Star could be the key to them getting the help they need from the backcourt.
Toronto Raptors
There have been reports that the Toronto Raptors could be willing to move Fred VanVleet at the trade deadline. If that happens, they'll have some room to sign the Lakers star guard. Toronto isn't a top contender this season, so there's no reason for them not to sign Westbrook if he were bought out.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the possibility of trading for the 2017 MVP is far-fetched. Still, that doesn't mean they can't sign Russell Westbrook to a minimum contract once he gets bought out.
"I don't see a Russell Westbrook trade happening at this juncture. ... I don't think the Lakers' package of Westbrook and two picks is moving Toronto at all, especially for both (OG) Anunoby and Trent Jr." Fischer reported.
"I don't see a Russell Westbrook trade happening at this juncture ... I don't think the Lakers' package of Westbrook and 2 picks is moving Toronto at all, especially for both Anunoby and Trent Jr." - @JakeLFischer https://t.co/ouVm9PXarD
How has Russell Westbrook played this season?
The 2022-23 season is a different look for Westbrook. He's spent most of his time off the bench, being the team's most reliable sixth man. Compared to last season, his numbers are way down and it won't look like it's going to increase. The Lakers seem to be "okay" with his production, but their desire to trade the point guard is still there.
Westbrook is averaging 28.7 minutes per game, the lowest in his 14-year NBA career. Yet, despite the drop in minutes, he is still able to contribute in different ways than the team needs him to. However, the usual problems are still there, especially his lack of outside shooting.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK. 😤
https://t.co/ZAgJhg28Fx
The nine-time All-NBA is shooting 41.7% from the field and 29.6% from the three-point area. Many are hoping that Westbrook's efficiency will improve once he's traded by the Lakers.
Also read: Why did Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham fight? Heated exchange in LA Lakers locker room explained during OKC Thunder loss