NBA Rumors: The 3 Heavyweights in the Eastern Conference Who Want Russell Westbrook

The days when Russell Westbrook dominated the NBA as an MVP or was a regular in the All-Star Game are long gone. However, the veteran guard showed last season with the Sacramento Kings that he can still contribute on the court, averaging 15.2 points per game.

The 2017 MVP and nine-time All-Star remains one of the most prominent names still available in the market. Although there has been speculation about his NBA career possibly coming to an end, several contending franchises might consider adding him to strengthen the second unit with experience and offensive capability.

Detroit seeks a replacement for Cade Cunningham

One of the teams that could be interested in Westbrook is the Detroit Pistons. The franchise has been searching for a backup for Cade Cunningham, and the veteran guard appears as an affordable option, as he likely would only require a minimum veteran contract.

Detroit drafted guard Ebuka Okorie in the 2026 Draft and he is considered Cunningham's future teammate in running the team. However, with the Pistons striving to compete immediately while still focusing on the development of their young project, Westbrook could provide a temporary solution with his experience.

Furthermore, last summer the guard did not find a team until October 15, just a week before the start of the regular season, indicating that this year his future might also be decided in the final stages of free agency.

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Cleveland values his impact off the bench

The Cleveland Cavaliers are also among the potential destinations for the veteran guard. Unlike LeBron James, who was not keen on sharing the locker room with James Harden, Westbrook would be willing to reunite with his former teammate from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, with whom he has maintained a close relationship since childhood when they were both at the same Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles.

Moreover, his profile would fit as a spark off the bench. As Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report pointed out, the Phoenix Suns, Cavaliers, and Houston Rockets were among the teams with the lowest scoring production from their reserves last season.

In Cleveland's case, Westbrook would serve as an offensive resource when the offense stalls. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden as the main perimeter references, he would not need to handle a heavy load of minutes and could bring energy, as well as team up with Evan Mobley in pick-and-roll situations.

Boston could also be a good fit for him

The Boston Celtics are another franchise that might consider adding him. The president of operations, Brad Stevens, is determined to change the team's playing style after being knocked out in the last two playoffs by the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.

With that goal in mind, Boston traded Jaylen Brown this summer and added center Mitchell Robinson. Furthermore, Stevens already indicated at the end of the season his intention to build a team with a stronger presence near the rim, moving away from the philosophy almost exclusively relying on three-point shooting.

Westbrook continues to excel in attacking the paint, which is precisely where his main strength lies. In Boston, he could complete the wing rotation alongside Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Mike Conley.

Added to this is his close friendship with Paul George, one of the new players on the Celtics. Both were teammates at Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers and have a very tight bond off the court.

"PG is not just a friend, he's a brother. Our kids go to the same school. We spend time together. He understands my value and everything I bring, not just as a player but also as a person," Westbrook stated about George in 2023, as reported by journalist Chris Haynes.

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