Russell Westbrook is expected to take some time during the All-Star break to consider the next steps that he wants to take for his career, sources reported to ESPN on Saturday. The veteran was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz on deadline day last week.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, general manager Justin Zanik, and coach Will Hardy spoke on Friday with Westbrook and his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, stating that they welcome him into the team. They warned, however, that the team would be prioritizing playing its younger players and that no guarantees could be made with regard to Westbrook’s minutes or role in the team.
Among Westbrook’s options going forward would be a contract buyout on the remainder of his $47 million salary this season. This move would enable him to become a free agent, in which case he could sign for another team in the hope of securing more playing time. According to sources, the Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers, and Miami Heat are all options in this scenario.
By agreeing to a contract buyout by March 1, Westbrook can still be eligible to be part of a playoff roster if he chooses to go down this route. Westbrook could otherwise remain with the team and fight to earn his place in the starting lineup.
