Russell Westbrook is entering free agency this NBA offseason after declining a $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets. The aging 2017 MVP is hoping to become a player who can be the missing piece for any franchise in the league. Here are three teams that shouldn’t shy away from signing Westbrook this summer.
The Thunder are currently in the NBA Finals, attempting to win their first championship as a franchise outside of Seattle. Oklahoma City’s outcome in the series won’t change the possibility of a reunion for Westbrook and the Thunder. The Thunder have a great team, as evident in their record and Finals appearance. They could use Westbrook to further develop the current MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, just like when Chris Paul did when he was on the Thunder back in 2019.
The heartfelt reunion can be a closing chapter on Westbrook’s career if he signs with his first team, which nurtured and cheered for him for years.
Russell Westbrook’s veteran presence in the locker room can help Dallas’s probable number one pick, Cooper Flagg. Westbrook’s mentorship of the Duke superstar would give him a role to play beyond being a Sixth Man of the Year-type player. If the Mavericks do not pick Flagg as their first pick or trade out of the number one spot, then Westbrook can still be beneficial to the rebuilding franchise. The experienced trio of Westbrook, Kyrie, and Anthony Davis is a stepping stone for Dallas to build around for the future.
The Heat were once top of the Eastern Conference. Now they are struggling to make the playoffs after losing their star player, Jimmy Butler, to the Warriors. If the Heat want to get a player who can shake up their roster, Westbrook is their guy. Even though he is a wild card for Miami, Westbrook could be the player who helps them become relevant once again in the East.
The Heat needs a player like Butler, someone who will give it all he has, to motivate and carry the team. Westbrook is that player for Miami. He’s the type of guy who will never give up on a play or the team.
Russell Westbrook is nearing the end of his career. A 36-year-old with his explosive play style can soon catch up to the former MVP. With his limited time playing basketball now, Westbrook has an important decision this summer. He can be the player to revive a franchise’s presence in the playoffs. On the other hand, he can end up as one of many washed-up players who believe they can still make a difference for teams. Westbrook’s decision can arrive on June 30th at the earliest, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Westbrook’s legacy will be influenced by which team he signs with, and the outcome of his choice will impact his career. It would become the last chapter for his time as a threat on the court. Russell Westbrook’s career is coming to a close. Let’s hope he ends it on a high note.
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