Report: Russell Westbrook Has 'Expressed Interest' in Playing for Jazz

It’s still not clear where Utah Jazz point guard Russell Westbrook is headed post trade deadline.

According to NBA insider Tony Jones of The Athletic, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Russell Westbrook will be bought out by the Utah Jazz. Jones dished the details via his Twitter account.

“Justin Zanik says the Jazz have met with Russell Westbrook and his representation. The Jazz are currently open to every possibility. Westbrook has expressed a willingness to play for the Jazz. The two sides are still working through it. No decisions have been made," Jones tweeted. 

Justin Zanik says the Jazz have met with Russell Westbrook and his representation. The Jazz are currently open to every possibility. Westbrook has expressed a willingness to play for the Jazz. The two sides are still working through it. No decisions have been made

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 10, 2023

On the surface, this does make some sense that Westbrook may want to finish the year in Salt Lake City. The former MVP would be in a situation where he could get starter minutes while having the opportunity of putting up a stat line that he was accustomed to before his arrival in Los Angeles. Westbrook will be looking for a big contract this summer, being a free agent, and could view this as an opportunity to reinvent himself moving forward.

Also, the Jazz are still in striking distance of a playoff berth being only 2.5 games back from the sixth seed. Leading the Jazz to the postseason would certainly increase his stock in regard to his next deal.

Surely Westbrook is weighing all his options as they’ll be franchises looking to add a piece post-All-Star break. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, ex-teammate Paul George is recruiting Westbrook to join forces for a title run with the Los Angeles Clippers.

There are a lot of moving parts surrounding the Jazz despite the trade deadline being in the rearview mirror.

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