Russell Westbrook will not return to the Denver Nuggets after rejecting the player’s option. So where should he go next?
Russell Westbrook is looking for a new team. After a great, successful stint with the Denver Nuggets, the original MVP decided to leave.
Marc Stein reported that Westbrook rejected the $3.4 million player option. Perhaps he feels he can capitalize on his strong season for a bigger payday.
Westbrook was criticized for his actions at the Nuggets on the way home. While Aaron Gordon denies it, reports of his conflict with Westbrook placed a damper in the locker room chemistry.
Which aspect is the best team slate he can join and he’s going to go? We have identified three teams that can benefit from signing Russell Westbrook.
The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a very serious offseason. With the impending arrival of Cooper Flag, the team needs to solidify their direction.
The development of Flagg relies on the health of the Mavericks. Unfortunately, Kyrie Irving is set to make it out for most of the season.
Why not replace Irving with a veteran point guard like Russell Westbrook? Westbrook is a powerful Rob Passerby, and along with Flag and Anthony Davis (who Westbrook played previously), the Mavericks have a strong and reliable point guard option.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP Award this season. The last player to win an award at the Oklahoma City Thunder? Russell Westbrook.
Their current attempts with the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals show that due to their bench depth, all of their strengths, the lack of a strong veteran outside of Alex Caruso.
Why not bring Westbrook back with the team for a bit of a swan? OKC fans can show him some last few love, and also strengthen the team’s depth before Thunder will be another season in which he competes in the NBA Championship.
This may be the easiest option for Russell Westbrook. Brooklyn Net is expected to have the most cap space of any NBA team next season
The internet is a waste and you don’t want to sit in that salary cap space. Perhaps signing a one-year contract with Russell Westbrook would allow them to fill some space and provide new security guards for the NBA Draft to learn under one of the greatest players in history.
GM Sean Marks has made this rebuild project a long-term priority. And with D’Angelo Russell among some free agents, the net is not expected to bring it back, so Westbrook could be a serious option they should consider.
There are several teams like the Lakers and Clippers, and it’s unlikely that Westbrook would be considered. But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute at a high level.
This season, Lass averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds for the nuggets, most of which came out of the bench.
If a team feels they need a veteran presence or a strong bench scorer, Westbrook is the perfect player for that.
Of course, there are more teams than the three above in the run to land Westbrook. But these are ideal places and perfect marriage between the team and the player’s desires.