Fansided

3 best post-trade deadline buyout candidates

By Karan Jain

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Patrick Beverley #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on January 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 30, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 30, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1. Russell Westbrook

After a difficult stint with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook will likely enter the buyout market after being traded. The Lakers traded the former MVP in a multi-team trade that saw Westbrook acquired by the Jazz. With the Jazz likely to rebuild and Westbrook on an expiring contract, the likelihood of a buyout seems imminent.

While Westbrook is not as good as he was when he was winning MVPs and consistently making All-NBA teams, Westbrook can certainly add value to a competitive team. Westbrook’s ability to get to the rim and pressure the defense is as good as ever, ranking in the 100th percentile for Basketball Index’s  ‘Rim Shot Creation’ metric while also ranking in the 96th percentile for ‘Finishing talent’.

Russ also profiles as an elite playmaker, ranking in the 100th percentile for Basketball Index’s ‘playmaking talent’ metric. Russ has also shown a willingness to take on a bench role, which should bode well for contenders who are interested in him.

The Clippers and the Bulls have already shown interest in the point guard and it won’t be surprising to see more teams interested in Westbrook’s services once he is officially bought out.

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