NBA rumors: Russell Westbrook might stay with Utah Jazz this season instead of a buyout
According to multiple sources, the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook are currently in talks about his future.
Westbrook was largely expected to negotiate a buyout on his $47 million contract with the Jazz. According to ESPN, the player intends to take his time and use the All-Star break to decide his immediate future. Multiple teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and the LA Clippers are said to be interested in him as a free agent.
However, the Jazz and Westbrook have not ruled out the possibility of him remaining with the franchise for the rest of the season. CEO Danni Ainge, general manager Justin Zanik and head coach Will Hardy told the nine-time All-Star and his agent that they would welcome a decision to stay with the team.
Earlier today, @Tjonesonthenba on how Russell Westbrook and the Utah Jazz have kept kept an open mind to how Westbrook ends season.
Could be a buyout. Or Russ could stay in Utah.
We got mixed signals coming out of the Clip Ship tonight on Russell Westbrook's archetype. twitter.com/Tjonesonthenba…
However, they are reportedly intent on playing their younger players. As such, they do not want to make any promises about playing time or the kind of role he might have on the team.
Russell Westbrook to stay at Utah Jazz despite considerable interest?
Most expected Russell Westbrook to be a free agent after being involved in the D’Angelo Russell trade. However, the player is reportedly open to staying at the Jazz despite their inability to provide him with consistent playing time. The Jazz are understood to have been transparent in their dealings with Westbrook and the decision is understood to be resting on the player’s shoulders.
The fact is that the rebuilding Utah Jazz were not expected to be in the reckoning for the playoffs but find themselves 10th in the Western Conference. The team has ridden the form of Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson to churn out victories and adding Westbrook to the mix is only going to improve their chances.
Westbrook, on the other hand, was expected to join a playoff contending team. Given the right amount of playtime, Westbrook is bound to improve his current numbers of 15.9 pp, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds, although it is his overall 46% efficiency which has proved to be a problem for the LA Lakers.
Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Utah Jazz‼️👀 https://t.co/ob7EfCtbLI
Considering his reputation, Russell Westbrook is bound to attract interest from other franchises. Whether such a move would be beneficial remains to be seen. Alternatively, Westbrook could also choose to remain with the Utah Jazz for the rest of the season and play an important role in their playoff bid.