Russell Westbrook could be on the move this offseason after a disastrous debut season with the Lakers.
The Hornets are a “team to watch” as a trade destination for the former league MVP, according to NBA insider Mark Stein.
Westbrook — who is the highest-paid player on L.A.’s roster, earning $44 million — has a $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season, which could make it difficult for teams to pursue him.
Stein also reported that the Lakers haven’t ruled out waiving Westbrook, which would tie them to a long-term payout of the money he’s owed.
Westbrook is also coming off one the worst offensive seasons of his career, averaging 18.5 points per game — his lowest since his second season in the league in 2009-10. His outside shooting struggles earned him the name “Westbrick” by fans.
After the Suns beat the Lakers 121-110 Tuesday to eliminate L.A. from playoff contention, Westbrook said he expects to remain with the team.
“I mean, that’s the plan,” Westbrook said about returning next season to finish the last year on his Lakers contract. “But nothing is promised. Yes, we want to be able to see what that looks like, what that entails over the course of an 82-game season. But we’re not sure if that’s guaranteed, either. So I just hope that we have a chance to be able to do something.”
His comments came a day after Lakers great Magic Johnson expressed disappointment in his former team for choosing a Westbrook experiment over signing Bulls star DeMar DeRozan.
The Lakers acquired Westbrook last summer in hopes of forming a Big 3 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but injuries limited them to just 21 games together. He was recruited by James as part of a rebuilt roster that couldn’t find a way to stay healthy and jell.
A change of scenery could be good for Westbrook, who’s felt the pressures of being a Laker in his first season with the team. He confronted hecklers this season, as well as reporters that questioned L.A.’s inability to win games.
Westbrook could add depth and a veteran presence to the Hornets, who have a young talent in point guard LaMelo Ball, as well as Terry Rozier.
Charlotte currently has several players on long-term contracts, including Rozier’s four-year, $97 million extension. Gordon Hayward has two years remaining on his four-year, $120 million deal.
Hornets owner Michael Jordan has been quite fond of Westbrook through the years. Westbrook signed a five-year endorsement deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand in 2013 — and after his MVP season in 2016-17, he reached a 10-year extension with the brand.