Russell Westbrook plans to ‘Recharge’ during the All-Star Break prior to making decision on his NBA future
Amidst a lot of speculation and uncertainity regarding his NBA future, Russell Westbrook has decided to use the All Star Break to Recharge himself.
( image via Lakers )
Former MVP Russell Westbrook has been a topic of discussion for every external agency from the moment he arrived in LA. The 6’3 point guard had a change in responsibility this season. He gave up his starting spot to Patrick Beverley and started to thrive as the 6th man.
Eventually, Westbrook was dealt away to the Utah Jazz in a 3-team, 8-player deal at the Trade Deadline. With a lot of speculation surrounding Russell Westbrook’s future, the former Laker has been explicit about his actions. As per a recent report from Mark Stein, “Former MVP Russell Westbrook, widely seen as the most prominent player conceivably available on this season’s NBA buyout market, is expected to use the All-Star break to recharge before proceeding with his next career steps, league sources say. Westbrook, while reserving the right to speed up that timetable if the right opportunity arises, has expressed a desire to be deliberate in his decision-making…”
The Triple Double machine has had a drastic dip in averages. Westbrook went from averaging a Triple Double for the Washington Wizards in 2020-21 to 15.7 points for the Lakers as a 6th man in 2022-23. This happens to be the least he’s averaged since his Rookie year in 2008. It would be interesting to see where the former MVP signs going ahead.
Related: Patrick Beverley opens up on the Lakers problems after becoming a free agent
Westbrook has received permission from the Jazz to talk to potentially interested teams
Ever since the Lakers traded away Westbrook, the Utah Jazz are yet to buy him out. They have reportedly given him permission to engage with teams that are potentially interested in him. As per Adrian Wojnarowski, Westbrook and his agent Jeff Schwartz have communicated with the Bulls, the Clippers, the Wizards, and the Miami Heat.
Although there’s been no traction in talks between the Clippers and Westbrook, as per Shams Charania, The Athletic’s Law Murray states that Westbrook will personally meet Kawhi Leonard and former teammate Paul George in the near future. Since Westbrook is a local boy, there’s a lot of anticipation among Clippers fans regarding the same.
On the other hand, the Washington Wizards also seem to be a potential landing spot for Westbrook. The 6’3 guard along with Bradley Beal powered the Wizards to the playoffs in 2021 in a late-season turnaround. With the Wizards being 1 legitimate Point Guard away from a contending roster, the dots seem to align well. It would be interesting to see where Westbrook decides to sign. But the former MVP is clear regarding him taking a break and recharging himself during the All-Star Break.
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