Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz at the deadline. Though, there is still much uncertainty surrounding where he’ll finish his season.
In the end, the Los Angeles Lakers believed that it was in the best interest of all parties involved to trade Russell Westbrook at the NBA Trade Deadline. Los Angeles completed a three-team deal on deadline day that landed Russ with the Utah Jazz. Though, almost no one believed that Russ would remain in Utah. The overwhelming thought was that the next logical step for Westbrook was a buyout.
Though, that may not end up being the case. According to Jazz reporter Tony Jones, there’s still a chance that Russ could play for the Jazz. No final decision on what the next move is for Westbrook. But a buyout could very much be on the table.
If Westbrook and the Jazz do agree to a buyout agreement, the whispers are that he could be down to two teams – the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat.
Russell Westbrook could join the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat if bought out
With Kyle Lowry still on the Heat after they failed to move him at the NBA Trade Deadine, you’d have to imagine that Russ is probably more inclined to sign with the Bulls. At the very least, there’s a much greater chance of playing a more defined role in Chicago with their starting point guard (Lonzo Ball) still out with an injury.
Who knows what kind of role the Heat would have for Westbrook but I think it’s pretty safe to say that the Bulls would have a greater opportunity for Westbrook to thrive. Unless, of course, the Heat know something more about Lowry’s injury than they are letting on. If that were the case, perhaps that may change things over the next few days.
The Westbrook situation should be sorted out in the next few days. But the first domino that needs to fall is whether or not he will seek a buyout. It seems that there’s at least a shot he could stay in Utah to finish out the season.
If he does decide to stay with the Jazz, it would be quite interesting. At least for now, that doesn’t seem like a likely scenario. Though, it’s difficult to get a read on Westbrook. Regardless, the next few days should be interesting.
The NBA Trade Deadline dust is beginning to settle and soon enough, so will the buyout market.