Russell Westbrook Rumors: Bulls, Clippers, Heat, Wizards In Mix

Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

Despite the NBA trade deadline passing last week, there have still been plenty of players on the move. The NBA buyout market is fast-paced with a lot of veterans changing addresses as they latch on to teams as possibly the missing piece to a championship. One player that could be joining the buyout market soon is Russell Westbrook.

Westbrook was part of the three-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the trade deadline. He ended up in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz are in the midst of a rebuild. Because of that, the team is unable to guarantee him a role or minutes should he report to the team.

As a result, Westbrook is taking some time to decide what he wants to do next. Utah is willing to work with him throughout the process as they have given him permission to speak to teams and figure out the best course of action. Ultimately, a buyout seems to be the likeliest outcome between Westbrook and the Jazz.

Should that buyout occur, where could Westbrook end up? According to the latest rumors shared by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the veteran has multiple suitors. He has already communicated with the Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat.

The Bulls could use some help at point guard with the return of Lonzo Ball looking less and less likely by the day. Skill set-wise, it is hard to envision how Westbrook fits given how ball-dominant Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan already are.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Miami Heat & Washington Wizards

Paul George and Nicolas Batum of the Clippers have already begun recruiting Westbrook to the team. They overhauled their second unit and backcourt ahead of the deadline and Westbrook could be the finishing touch they need as a scoring option off the bench.

The Heat were one of two teams, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers, that didn’t make a trade during the 2022-23 season. They are looking to make upgrades on the buyout market, as they are also the presumed landing spot for Kevin Love should he secure his buyout with the Cavaliers.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, Miami Heat & Washington Wizards

The Wizards traded Westbrook to the Lakers during the 2021 offseason but it was a move they would seemingly undo in a heartbeat. Westbrook played very well for his one season in the nation’s capital, averaging a triple-double and helping get the team into the playoffs. They have had a need for a point guard since trading him away.

Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.

Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook

Heat Defeat Cavs 121-84 Using Dominant Bench Play

The Miami Heat delivered an exceptional performance during Sunday’s NBA action, cruising to a 121-84 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers and breaking their three-game home

76ers Achieve 121-107 Victory Over Harden’s Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers clinched a 121-107 victory against James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers during Sunday’s NBA action. Tobias Harris scored 24 points, and

Williamson’s 36 Points Lead Pelicans to 114-101 Victory vs. Pistons

In a display of sheer dominance, Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a convincing 114-101 victory over a short-handed Detroit Pistons team during