Russell Westbrook has been one of the most successful superstars of the last decade. Winning two scoring titles, an NBA MVP award, along with averaging a triple-double four times. There are few superstars that could compare resumes with Westbrook over the last decade. Westbrook this season has averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
Despite that, as he approaches his 18th year, Westbrook doesn’t have a long-term home in the NBA. Could the Denver Nuggets guard be headed elsewhere in the offseason?
5 Landing Spots For Russell Westbrook Next Season
While Westbrook could find a way to remain with the Nuggets, considering the rumors and stories surrounding his name due to the firing of coach Mike Malone and GM Calvin Booth, it seems possible he will not remain in the Mile High City.
Boston Celtics
While on the surface, this might seem far-fetched, Westbrook and his effort make a difference. A dynamic passer and willing to play whatever role a team needs from him, Westbrook on the Celtics could yield great results for their second unit. If Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser remain with the Celtics’ second unit, Westbrook’s ability to find the open man will be valuable for them.
Westbrook’s goal seems to be winning a championship at this point, so joining a team with a championship pedigree seems like a no-brainer. The Celtics would have sporadic use for him, which seems to be ideal for Westbrook in this current era.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks absolutely need a backup point guard that can lead the second unit. Anthony Davis and Westbrook have some familiarity with each other, and Kyrie Irving’s contract situation could leave them with a need for a guard. Spencer Dinwiddie has not been able to fill that role properly, and Westbrook brings his facilitating ability.
The Mavericks have the size they need, the rebounding, but they do lack a proper passer besides the currently injured Irving. This is where Westbrook could help lead the offense and generate high-quality shots.
Orlando Magic
Of all the choices, this one seems likely. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are ready for the future in Orlando, but having a veteran who can lead the way for them would be amazing. Westbrook is a veteran guard who has playoff experience, ability to facilitate, and gives supreme effort. Westbrook, starting his 18th season leading the Magic’s bench, would be a great move for both parties.
As of now, their biggest veterans on the team are Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cory Joseph, and Gary Harris. Westbrook brings expertise and high-level play to any team he joins, which would be a major step up for the Magic.
Sacramento Kings
If Westbrook is interested in potentially starting for a team, there’s always the chance that the Kings could use him. Malik Monk is the starting point guard currently since De’Aaron Fox’s departure, but he’s could be moved to the bench. Westbrook could provide openings for Zach Lavine and DeMar DeRozan to score without having to create on their own every possession.
Domantas Sabonis could benefit from some of Westbrook’s great passing and find open looks at the rim. There’s no perfect fit for Westbrook, but this is one that allows him to play with good shooters, midrange elite players, and a big. This could work.
Phoenix Suns
Well, this is a bit of an interesting idea. The Suns have a fair amount of good shooters in Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and star guard Devin Booker. While Tyus Jones was a decent player at times during the season, they lacked a true point guard to help with the offensive flow. While Westbrook isn’t the perfect choice from a shooting perspective, his ability to drive and cut to the basket adds an element that the Suns lacked at the point guard position.
Will Westbrook end up at any of these destinations? Time will tell.
