This NBA offseason has been a tumultuous one for Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is no stranger to being traded, as he has been with four different teams in the last four seasons. But, this time, the tenor around those trade discussions has been different.
The analysis of Westbrook’s performance in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers has been very critical. He did not perform up to expectations and has been unwilling to take responsibility for his part in that. The blame has been placed on everyone else, which has led to some animosity building.
It is hard to imagine positive chemistry being built between Westbrook and LeBron James after the two didn’t acknowledge each other at the Las Vegas Summer League. Sometimes relationships reach a point of no return and it is fair to question if that is the case here.
His name has been mentioned in trade rumors for months, but almost all of those rumors result in Westbrook getting bought out by the team that acquires him. Rebuilding teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz have no real use for him in their rotations should they acquire him.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Washington Wizards Updates
That could be a good thing for Westbrook, as he would then have a chance to select which team he plays for next. One team that he should have his eyes on, according to an NBA scout that spoke to NBA Analysis Network, is the Washington Wizards.
Washington was one of the stops Westbrook made in the last four years, as that is who the Lakers acquired him from. The scout believes a return there would be a good fit for him.
“I thought Westbrook fit well with Beal during their year together. Having Porzingis there to space out and pop playing out of ball screens would be a helpful fit. There just aren’t many teams out there looking to compete right away with room for a point guard.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Washington Wizards Updates
The Wizards did acquire Monte Morris from the Denver Nuggets in a trade this offseason to help shore up their point guard position. But, other than him, the only other option they have is Delon Wright, who can be deployed as a combo guard.
Adding a veteran such as Westbrook to the mix could be a low-risk, high-reward situation for Washington. They would only need to sign him to a veteran’s minimum contract, so if things didn’t go according to plan, they can move on rather easily.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Washington Wizards Updates
Capped out for the foreseeable future, the Washington Wizards could be willing to take a shot on Westbrook, hoping he regains the form he showed while suiting up for them during the 2020-21 season. In that season he averaged a triple-double and led the NBA with 11.7 assists per game.
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