Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, D'Angelo Russell's Top Landing Spots After Lonzo Trade
Lonzo Ball is on the move after the Chicago Bulls traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a few more point guards could be on new teams before the start of the season.
Following the Cavaliers' trade for Ball, here's a look at some top landing spots for Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and D'Angelo Russell.
Russell Westbrook's Top Landing Spots
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Russell Westbrook declined his contract option with the Denver Nuggets earlier this month, giving him the chance to explore the free agency market.
While the former MVP, now 36 years old, is no longer putting up All-NBA numbers, he's become a solid role player of the bench and should have plenty of options this offseason.
Denver Nuggets
While Westbrook decided to test free agency, the best move could be for him to return to Denver.
In his first season with the Nuggets, he put up 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. While he came off the bench more than he started, he still averaged 27.9 minutes per contest, the kind of time off the bench he might not get elsewhere.
Westbrook has the opportunity to play a major role for a title-contending team, so he running it back in Denver is not a bad idea.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been linked to a handful of point guards already this offseason as they look to replace De'Aaron Fox, whom they traded to the San Antonio Spurs earlier this year.
It won't be a surprise if Westbrook is on the Kings radar this offseason.
Signing in Sacramento would mean Westbrook likely wouldn't get the chance to compete for a title, but he could take a much larger role than he's played in recent years. Whether Westbrook signs with the Kings could depend on whether he would prefer to play for a contender or take whatever team is willing to give him significant minutes.
Miami Heat
Much like the Kings, the Miami Heat could benefit by adding a point guard this offseason, and they should look no further than Westbrook.
The Heat are set with a solid starter in Tyler Herro at the point guard spot, but lack depth. The addition of Kasparas Jakučionis in the NBA draft will help, though he'll likely play more on the wing.
Westbrook would be a solid addition off the bench as well as a veteran presence on a relatively young squad.
Chris Paul's Top Landing Spots
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At 40 years old, Chris Paul is in the twilight of his career, but the Point God continues to find a way to be productive. After a one-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul is looking for another team in need of a point guard.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks committed to Kyrie Irving for the long term earlier this week, but his new three-year contract doesn't change the fact that he'll be out until at least January as he recovers from a torn ACL.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Irving's new contract makes Dallas eligible to use a $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, and that should be more than enough to sign Paul.
Paul would be a solid starter but could transition seamlessly into a role off the bench once Irving is back on the court.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers offer an ideal situation for Paul this offseason.
His family is in Los Angeles, and he's made it clear he wants to play close to them this year. Plus, on the Lakers, Paul could team up with LeBron James, his longtime friend, whom he still hasn't had the chance to play with.
Aside from just the personal benefits of joining the Lakers, he would be a good fit off the bench for a team lacking point guard depth.
Los Angeles Clippers
If the Lakers aren't the right fit, might Paul consider joining his former team?
It would give him the chance to play on a competitive roster while staying close to his family. The Clippers might even make room for Paul in the starting lineup, shifting James Harden to the two and Kris Dunn to the bench.
While Paul's first tenure with the Clippers didn't end on the best of terms, eight years have passed, and it may be the perfect place to bring his career to an end.
D'Angelo Russell's Top Landing Spots
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D'Angelo Russell has steadily declined over the past few seasons and put up 12.6 points and 5.1 assists per game between stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets last season.
But even though he hasn't been an All-Star caliber player recently, he's a capable starting option who comes at an affordable price.
Brooklyn Nets
Staying put might be the best move for Russell as he looks to find some consistency after spending most of his career on the move.
Russell was at his best with the Nets during the 2018-19 season when he put up 21.1 points and seven assists, earning his only All-Star bid and leading Brooklyn to a surprise playoff run.
While that season was six years ago, it's clear that he feels comfortable in Brooklyn, and he could end up having a career resurgence. Plus, the Nets' cheap roster means he could get more from Brooklyn than he might elsewhere.
Dallas Mavericks
Like Paul, the Mavericks could use their $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception on Russell and land a solid fill-in for Irving. NBA insider Marc Stein noted that Dallas is considered a "leading suitor" for Russell heading into free agency.
If he picks the Mavs, Russell would have to be willing to begin the year as a starter before eventually handing the keys to the injured Irving, but that's probably something he's willing to do to play for a contender.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are more than likely going to be without starting point guard Dejounte Murray to begin the year after he suffered a torn Achilles in January. They could use an affordable starting option in the meantime, and Russell could be that option.
New Orleans is hoping seventh overall pick Jeremiah Fears can take over as the starting point guard eventually, but the rookie will need some time before he's given the keys to the offense.
The Pelicans could bring Russell in on a one-year deal, give him the chance to challenge Murray for the starting role, and perhaps turn things over to Fears next year.
