Out of the 30 teams in the NBA, only the Sacramento Kings have shown a slight interest in signing the now free agent Russell Westbrook. Despite having a solid 2024-2025 campaign with the Denver Nuggets, it seems that no one wants to take their chances with the former MVP. However, if the Kings do fail to deliver, could Russ still find a new home before the season starts? Here are the four teams we think who could still benefit from a 36-year-old veteran.
Miami Heat
Red has been part of Russ’ career (Rockets, Wizards, and Clippers) and seeing him in that uniform again wouldn’t be that far fetched.
The Miami Heat are still in a tough situation after the Jimmy Butler drama unfolded in South Beach a few months ago. With Udonis Haslem now gond, Westbrook’s veteran presence might just be befitting the Heat culture, that is if Pat Riley plays his cards well with Brodie.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards is here to stay and try to run it back with Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. However, it’s clear they would soon need a backup in the point guard position. Mike Conley can still give the team his best even at 37 years old, but his current backup, Rob Dillingham, isn’t a proven PG to facilitate the second string yet. If Dillingham fails to do the job, it wouldn’t be wild to allow Westbrook to take over.
Milwaukee Bucks
After waiving Damian Lillard, it’s obvious that the Milwaukee Bucks’ biggest downside right now is their backcourt.
After acquiring Myles Turner, it’s high time for Cream City to find a new floor general, may it be an aging Russ or someone more serviceable come playoff time.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have built one of the best rosters they ever had from the ground up after years of non-stop rebuild. Thankfully, they now have a squad that could compete,
Had the Indiana Pacers not got in their way, the Knicks would have made their first NBA Finals since 2000. Jalen Brunson is undoubtedly their best player, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges also holding the reins. With a bunch of talented young guys on the roster, it would be fitting to have a glue guy on and off the court. In addition, Westbrook would be a slight upgrade compared to Cam Payne.
The Golden State Warriors still have a few open spots since they haven’t made any significant moves lately, and adding Westbrook to a team that has Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green might be a sight, but it would surely be a huge explosion of personalities, ergo a clash of ego that league is yet to see. Perhaps it would be better if Dub Nation passed on this one. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers also has an open spot in their roster, but a team with an injury-riddle Joel Embiid and Paul George isn’t going anywhere with Russ.
