3 teams that could sign Russell Westbrook if Lakers trade him

By Jason Reed | Aug 1, 2022

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers only make sense for Russell Westbrook if the team does not bring back Collin Sexton this offseason. The Sexton situation is an interesting one as he seemed to be en route to getting a big payday this offseason.

However, he got hurt at the beginning of the season and the Cavaliers ended up getting better as a result. It allowed Darius Garland to have a bigger role on the team. Sexton suddenly was not the same priority that he was before.

If Sexton does not return to Cleveland then the guard depth is going to be really thin in Cleveland. Rajon Rondo is the only true guard depth option that can play NBA minutes and even that is a stretch.

Heck, I would not completely rule out the Cavs bringing in Westbrook if Sexton returns. The play styles don’t totally match with two ball-dominant guards but the Cavaliers could try and do the same kind of three-guard lineup that the Thunder did with Chris Paul three years ago.

It is much more likely without Sexton than it is with him but either way, the Cavaliers are not winning the title and might look to sell some tickets with Westbrook to elevate the Cavs out of the play-in. They were not a play-in team last year but they might be this year with the East getting so much better around them.

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