The three-team trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz was met with immediate conversation about whether or not the former Los Angeles Lakers star would ever put on a Jazz jersey. As recently as last week, Jazz General Manager Justin Zanik did not rule out Westbrook playing for his team and joining the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson.
But now it appears as though Westbrook will be the latest addition to the All-Time Never Played for the Jazz Team.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported recently that Westbrook received permission from the Jazz to explore the buyout market, and has been doing just that this past week. Teams interested in Westbrook include the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, he said.
“I think a lot of this is just getting a sense — both the teams with Russell Westbrook and Westbrook with those teams — about what a potential fit might look like, what a role might look like,” Wojnarowski added.
On Thursday morning, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium said one team in particular — the Clippers — have “begun conversations” with Westbrook.
Westbrook has been away from the team since the trade. He showed up on an injury report Feb. 9 with the comment “trade pending.” In the latest injury report, the comment read “not with team.” He did meet with Jazz executives, however.
Wojnarowski surmised that the teams currently vying for Westbrook’s services have history with him. Billy Donovan and Mo Cheeks, who are coaches with the Bulls, worked with Westbrook in Oklahoma City. Clippers star forward Paul George also played with him while on the Thunder.
Then there’s the Wizards, where Westbrook used to play before being traded to the Lakers.
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