There was hardly anyone on the outside who felt that the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Russell Westbrook in 2021 was a good move. He just wasn’t a great fit on the team, and his troubled tenure with the franchise finally came to an end on Thursday.
His relationship with the Lakers had completely fallen apart a week before the trade deadline, and they moved him to the Utah Jazz in a 3-team deal. Reports in the immediate aftermath of the trade indicated that he would be bought out by the team, and there was some interest in Westbrook’s services if he became a free agent.
The Clippers and Bulls were two of the teams that were brought up, but Westbrook isn’t actively looking to leave Utah. Jazz GM Justin Zanik says the former MVP is willing to play for them and that they haven’t made a decision on his future just yet.
Justin Zanik says the Jazz have met with Russell Westbrook and his representation. The Jazz are currently open to every possibility. Westbrook has expressed a willingness to play for the Jazz. The two sides are still working through it. No decisions have been made
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 10, 2023
“Justin Zanik says the Jazz have met with Russell Westbrook and his representation. The Jazz are currently open to every possibility. Westbrook has expressed a willingness to play for the Jazz. The two sides are still working through it. No decisions have been made”
Mike Conley was a part of the package that saw Westbrook head to Utah, and they might be interested in having him around as the veteran point guard. What is clear by now, though, is that Russ is willing to play for any team, no matter what situation they are in.
The Bulls Emerge As Frontrunners To Land Russell Westbrook If He Gets Bought Out
While the Clippers were interested at first, it appears they aren’t sold on making a move for him, as the fit is questionable. That might mean the Bulls would be the frontrunners, and Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that they are indeed the team that is leading the race.
He brought up how Bulls head coach Billy Donovan coached Westbrook in OKC and that they also have former Thunder assistants whom Russ had good relationships with. The Bulls are still in with a chance at securing that 6th seed, and Westbrook might just help them get there.
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