With a buyout most likely coming for Russell Westbrook, the former all-NBA player has narrowed his choices down to four teams.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Russell Westbrook and his agent have met with four teams to discuss signing after a buyout — the Bulls, Clippers, Wizards, and Heat. There is a chance that he doesn’t end up on any of those contenders as Westbrook may choose to just wait out his contract and go into free agency.
Russell Westbrook is not a starting-level point guard. It is clear that Westbrook wants a starting role on any team he joins in free agency. At this point in his career, Westbrook is a good player to have off the bench. He is not good enough to be the sixth or seventh man on a championship contender.
What can Russell Westbrook still do for a contender?
While he can still contribute at an NBA level, he has downgraded in terms of talent. The hate for the player from fans did reach unfair and disrespectable levels with the Lakers, it is clear that Westbrook is an intriguing player for a championship contender to have if he gets 15 to 20 minutes per game.
With the Bulls, Westbrook would be the sixth or seventh man in the rotation and have a chance to play high minutes on a team that will make the play-in (at best) and doesn’t do anything beyond that. The Wizards are in the same boat but he might have a small chance to start over Monte Morris in the rotation. Still, Washington would make it to the play-in (at best but not make it farther than that).
The Heat is probably the most interesting spot as Westbrook could be in the discussion for high-quality minutes while at the same time contributing to a team that has a chance to avoid the play-in and get upset in the first round in the playoffs. Still, adding Westbrook doesn’t make the Heat title contenders or anywhere near it.
The Clippers are probably the best option for Westbrook if he wants to win a title. While Westbrook would be at the back of the rotation in the playoffs and only be used for minutes where LA needs a traditional point guard, if he wanted to win a title going to a team with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard is his best option.
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