The Los Angeles Lakers completed a three-team deal that sent Westbrook and his $47 million contract to the Utah Jazz. Don’t expect Westbrook to ever play there, especially after a Jazz fan racially taunted him in 2019. Instead, he’s likely to get a buyout for some portion of the $15 million to $16 million still owed to him this season.
Where would Westbrook land? He started the season shooting terribly, but he seemed to thrive when he embraced his new sixth man role. Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds, but he’s shooting under 30 percent from three-point range. He’s not an outside threat, but he is still good at putting pressure on the rim and racking up assists.
His ideal team would be one with playoff aspirations, but not necessarily a title contender. It would ideally have ample three-point shooting and decent defense.
What about the Clippers? They love veterans, especially ones making lots of money. The team is sixth in three-point percentage, Westbrook and Paul George played together in Oklahoma City and he’d probably be an upgrade on what John Wall has provided the team this season. There’s also a solid defensive structure in place, he can run the offense when George and Kawhi Leonard inevitably sit and Westbrook wouldn’t even have to move!
There’s also the Phoenix Suns, who have a hole at backup point guard. Cameron Payne has played only two games since Dec. 13 with a foot injury that he keeps re-aggravating. They might be happy to have a backup like Westbrook, who would also drive far more often than Chris Paul.
He should also consider the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are focused on getting older. Westbrook has to be a better option than Austin Rivers, right? All he really has to do is pass to Rudy Gobert and they’ll be happy.
There are fewer options in the Eastern Conference. None of the playoff teams particularly need a backup guard, and two of them — Brooklyn and Philadelphia — have former Westbrook teammates who didn’t work well with him in the past.
There is no market for Westbrook at $47 million. However, for the league minimum, he should be able to find a home.
