Denver Nuggets star guard Russell Westbrook has reportedly opted to enter free agency, declining his player option with the Nuggets. This now sends Westbrook into unrestricted free agency, and he will be eligible to sign with any team he wants.
Read more news:Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook Makes a Surprising Decision on NBA Future
Westbrook had a $3.4 million player option, but he must believe that he can get more on the open market. Or the veteran would prefer a multi-year deal, giving the guarantee of a contract.
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But with this news, one of the more exciting players to ever step onto a basketball court is now a free agent. So, where could he land?
Here are the five best landing spots for Westbrook as he enters the twilight of his NBA career:
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves fell short in the Western Conference Finals once again and could be looking to change some things up. With veteran Mike Conley not looking the same as he once did, Westbrook could be an interesting option.
Putting Westbrook and Anthony Edwards on the floor together could be an opponent’s worst nightmare, at least energy-wise. But the fit of Westbrook as the backup guard for this team does make some sense.
4. Orlando Magic
One of the biggest issues with the Magic last season was a lack of offensive production. While Westbrook isn’t the same player that he once was, he can still provide a spark to a team.
Putting him on a defensive-heavy team like Orlando could be a risk. But his explosiveness may be able to help this Magic team unlock something on the offensive end of the floor.
3. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is reportedly looking to bring in help at the point guard position this offseason. Westbrook may not be a starting-caliber player any longer, but he could definitely help Sacramento out.
Much like in Denver, the Kings’ offense runs through center Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis is nowhere near as talented as Nikola Jokic, but Westbrook has experience playing in a system like this now.
2. Denver Nuggets
The Westbrook experiment worked out fairly well in Denver this past season. The veteran guard could be opting out with the hope of resigning for a new deal with the Nuggets.
Westbrook was crucial to the Nuggets this year, and he fit in well alongside the other core players. Jokic seemed to enjoy playing alongside Westbrook, which in Denver, massively helps the chance he could return.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Even with the Thunder being in the NBA Finals, adding Westbrook could be a full-circle moment. The only thing missing from Westbrook’s career is a title, and the Thunder could offer him a great chance to win one next season.
Westbrook could play the final years of his career with the team that started it all for him. The veteran is still very much loved in Oklahoma City, and there aren’t any fans in the NBA who appreciate him more.
This is easily the best landing spot for the future Hall-of-Famer next season.
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