Russell Westbrook could become one of the few players who will leave the Los Angeles Clippers this season. After having a good year with the team, posting 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in 57 games off the bench. One of the most energetic guards off the bench, Westbrook can still be a game-changer for some teams that need a veteran presence.
Westbrook has a $4,027,525 player option this summer that he can pick up considering he might want to stay with the Clippers. However, since Westbrook is 35 years old, he might take advantage of his strong season and look to sign a two or three-year deal with a team that could utilize his services. Making sure he is getting paid until 38 years old seems more reasonable than risking his future and there are five best destinations for Westbrook.
Phoenix Suns
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Exception ($7-$10 million)
Why The Suns Make Sense For Russell Westbrook: Competing with a former teammate Kevin Durant and elevating a title contender in the West.
The Phoenix Suns emerge as a compelling destination for Russell Westbrook’s talents in the free agency market. With their Big Three commanding significant salary commitments, the Suns find themselves in need of depth and a natural point guard to fortify their roster. Neither Bradley Beal nor Devin Booker are natural playmakers and could use some help to fortify their 10th-ranked offense.
Westbrook’s arrival could inject the team with the dynamism and leadership it craves, whether he slots into the starting lineup or energizes the second unit off the bench. Moreover, the prospect of reuniting with former teammate Kevin Durant offers an intriguing narrative and potentially strengthens on-court chemistry. Westbrook’s relentless drive aligns with the Suns’ quest for improvement, making the pairing a potentially fruitful one.
In essence, the Suns have pressing needs, while Westbrook seeks a substantial role, presenting a symbiotic opportunity that could elevate both player and team. This could be a win-win situation for both the team and the player, especially if Westbrook takes a team-friendly salary with a three-year deal.
Miami Heat
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Exception ($7-$10 million)
Why The Heat Make Sense For Russell Westbrook: Bring energy and hustle to a team that needs a boost in the starting lineup or off the bench, and play in a big market.
The Miami Heat could be a great team for Russell Westbrook as they aim to address their playmaking deficiencies, particularly from the point guard position, following a premature exit from this season’s playoffs. Known for maximizing player potential, the Heat’s culture of hard work, aggression, and commitment to putting their bodies on the line aligns well with Westbrook’s relentless style of play.
In Miami, Westbrook could thrive under the tutelage of head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has a track record of getting the best out of his players. Moreover, Westbrook’s competitive spirit and defensive prowess could bolster the Heat’s efforts on both ends of the court. With team president Pat Riley at the helm, Miami is renowned for its aggressive pursuit of talent and commitment to building a formidable roster.
Riley hasn’t been pulling any punches so far, even throwing Jimmy Butler under the bus, but that is the nature of the Hear organization. Westbrook’s potential arrival in Miami could signal a significant step forward in the Heat’s quest to solidify their position as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago Bulls
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Exception ($10-$12 million)
Why The Bulls Make Sense For Russell Westbrook: Help the Bulls get back to the playoffs and receive praise for doing so.
The Chicago Bulls emerge as an intriguing team for Russell Westbrook, particularly considering their potential to offer him a mid-level contract. If the team keeps its core of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Alex Caruso, the Bulls could possess a formidable lineup with Westbrook. Westbrook could complement this core exceptionally well, either as a starter or as a dynamic presence off the bench.
His relentless hustle and determination align perfectly with the ethos of Chicago fans, who appreciate hard work and tenacity on the court. Moreover, Westbrook’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor could significantly bolster the Bulls’ ambitions. In Chicago, Westbrook would find himself embraced by a passionate fanbase eager to see him contribute to the team’s success.
In a way, the marriage of Westbrook’s skills and the Bulls’ roster presents an exciting prospect that could elevate the team because they missed the playoffs for the second straight season. Making the playoffs will be the goal for the Bulls next year and Westbrook could help in that regard.
Atlanta Hawks
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Exception ($8-$12 million)
Why The Hawks Make Sense For Russell Westbrook: Win Sixth Man of the Year behind two All-Star caliber guards, and help guide the team back into the playoffs.
The Atlanta Hawks present a promising destination for Russell Westbrook, especially considering their need for guard depth behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. With a core featuring Young, Murray, and Clint Capela, the Hawks have a strong foundation to build upon. Westbrook’s ability to contribute off the bench could provide a significant boost to the team’s depth and versatility.
His skill set, particularly his knack for distributing the ball and creating opportunities for his teammates, could complement the Hawks’ offensive scheme well. Additionally, the prospect of Westbrook connecting with Capela on alley-oops adds another dimension to Atlanta’s offense, potentially diversifying their scoring options.
With Westbrook in the fold, the Hawks could aspire to improve upon their 12th-ranked offensive rating and elevate into the top 10 with a deeper guard rotation. Overall, Westbrook’s potential addition to the Hawks’ roster could enhance their depth as they look to get back to the team that made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020-21.
Toronto Raptors
Possible Contract: Mid-Level Exception ($9-$12 million)
Why The Raptors Make Sense For Russell Westbrook: Compete for a starting spot while providing veteran leadership to Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.
The Toronto Raptors present an intriguing scenario for Russell Westbrook, particularly in the context of their ongoing roster transition. With the departure of Pascal Siakam and a focus on building around promising young talent like Scottie Barnes, the Raptors are in a phase of redefinition.
Westbrook’s presence could significantly impact the development of players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, providing them with invaluable experience and leadership on the court. Additionally, Westbrook’s dynamic style of play could inject energy and excitement into the Raptors’ lineup, enhancing their competitiveness in the process.
The potential partnership between Westbrook and Dennis Schroder could create an intriguing point guard rotation, offering different playing styles and skill sets to keep opposing defenses off balance. Overall, Westbrook’s addition to the Raptors’ roster could accelerate their rebuilding efforts and give them a boost in watchability.
