The last few years have been difficult for NBA veteran point guard Russell Westbrook. It was only two seasons ago that he averaged a triple-double while helping the Washington Wizards into the postseason but he has fallen on tough times since.
His tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers did not go according to plan. He was an awkward fit from the start and all of the cons to the move that people pointed out before it happened came to fruition. His skill set proved to be a poor fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis and he has since been on the move again.
Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz ahead of the deadline in a three-team blockbuster that also included the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers ended up with D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in the deal while Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones ended up in Utah with a lightly protected 2027 first-round pick.
His career has now come to a crossroads. He is going to take some time to figure out what he wants to do next as the Jazz will welcome him to the team, but given their current state of rebuilding, they cannot guarantee him minutes.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Batum, Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers & Utah Jazz Updates
Westbrook would opt for the buyout route, becoming a free agent and selecting his next team to play with. If he goes that route, Paul George has already begun recruiting him to the LA Clippers and he has also been connected to the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
There aren’t many people in the world that can relate to what Westbrook is currently going through. It wasn’t long ago that he was on top of the basketball world as one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA. But, he isn’t held in such high regard by some people any longer.
One player who can relate to this somewhat is Nicolas Batum. Batum spoke about Westbrook’s situation on Tuesday before playing against the Golden State Warriors and offered support for the embattled point guard.
“I was labeled the worst player in the NBA before [I got to the Clippers]. You can’t reflect on his whole career based on the last 18 months. He’s a Hall of Famer. An MVP.”
Count Batum as another Clipper that would seemingly love to see Westbrook join the team for the stretch run should he agree to a buyout with the Jazz.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Nic Batum, Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers & Utah Jazz Updates
Utah is the fifth team that Westbrook has been on in the last four seasons and he could very well make it six depending on how things shake out after the All-Star break for him.
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