How likely are Utah Jazz to buy out Russell Westbrook? Latest updates on 9x All-Star’s situation before NBA All-Star break
Russell Westbrook is one of the newest members of the Utah Jazz. However, the veteran point guard is not allowed to play a single game for the Salt Lake City team.
The point guard was sent to Jazz as part of a 3-team trade that also involved the LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, it looks like he won’t play a big role in his new team.
If Westbrook reaches a buyout agreement with the Utah Jazz by March, he’s qualified for a playoff roster. Let’s see how likely the Jazz are to buy him up.
Utah Jazz will likely buy out Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is on an expiring contract, so even if the Utah Jazz keep him, they won’t have to pay him after this summer. However, it would be better to make an acquisition agreement and sign with another team.
Westbrook is very competitive and could be a good fit for a competitor. The Jazz, on the other hand, are interested in the development of their young players, which is why the former MVP will play a small role in the team.
All in all, the Jazz will most likely reach an acquisition agreement with Westbrook within the next two weeks. This makes the point guard a free agent and he can sign with any team that offers him a new contract.
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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the nine-time All-Star will take his time and make a decision after the All-Star break.
The acquisition agreement must be reciprocal, meaning both the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook must accept it. The Jazz could also do without the veteran point guard, but in this case he would have to pay his remaining salary.
The Jazz are better off with their younger players
After a fantastic start to the 2022-23 season, the Utah Jazz currently sit 11th in the Western Conference, 28-30. Considering how poorly they’ve been playing lately, they’ll most likely retire at the end of the season.
The Jazz have a lot of great young players who could develop them into stars. From Walker Kessler to Colin Sexton, the Salt Lake City team has a bright future ahead of them.
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Even Lauri Markkanen, the best player on the team, is only 25 years old. Because of this, Russell Westbrook is very unlikely to stay with the team after February. If he does, he becomes a benchwarmer, who is not allowed to play more than 15 minutes per game.