3 befitting destinations for Russell Westbrook post his contract buyout

Russell Westbrook, who was traded to the Utah Jazz on the deadline, plans to take some time to evaluate his options for the rest of the season following an initial meeting with the Jazz's management. The 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player intends to make a decision before the All-Star break, per various reports.

While the Jazz’s management is willing to welcome Westbrook, he obviously has no guarantee of gaining sufficient minutes in a team that prioritizes its younger players. Negotiating a buyout for the remaining portion of his $47 million salary would allow Westbrook to become a free agent and sign with another team before the end of the season.

While a couple of teams are hanging around in a bid to have him on their books, it’s crucial that Russell Westbrook's next team is befitting of his pedigree. Read on as we take a detailed look at three destinations that suit the former LA Lakers point guard.

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3 NBA teams that will be a perfect fit for Russell Westbrook

#1 Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls would also make for a great destination for Russell Westbrook. The Bulls are a storied franchise with a rich history that aligns with Westbrook's pedigree. His ability to score and distribute would give Chicago another offensive weapon.

Westbrook's playoff experience and ability to perform in clutch situations would give the Bulls a boost in their playoff hopes. The Bulls have been working hard to rebuild their roster and return to their former glory, and adding Westbrook would be a significant step in that direction.

The Chicago Bulls are keeping a close eye on Westbrook's situation and are interested in acquiring his services if he becomes a free agent through a contract buyout. The team has maintained a strong point guard rotation in the absence of Lonzo Ball, who is unlikely to return to action anytime soon.

Although the Bulls have $6 million left of their mid-level exception, they may face limitations in offering him a contract due to being just $1.7 million under the luxury tax threshold, potentially limiting their offer to the minimum.

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#2 Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers would be an excellent team for Russell Westbrook. The Clippers have a talented roster, including Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and adding Westbrook to the mix would give the team another elite playmaker.

Westbrook's aggressive and unselfish style of play would make him an excellent fit for the Clippers, and his ability to create for himself and others would give the team another weapon on the offensive end. A move to Laker’s city rival will also make for an intriguing story.

Recent reports from reliable sources have suggested that the Los Angeles Clippers are also keeping tabs on Russell Westbrook's situation and are considering signing him if he becomes a free agent through a contract buyout.

The Clippers are still searching for another point guard, but with Kyrie Irving, D'Angelo Russell and Mike Conley already off the market, their options are becoming limited. If the team is unable to secure one of the other top available guards like Fred VanVleet or Terry Rozier, they see Westbrook as a viable option to fill their needs.

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#3 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat would also be a great landing-place for Russell Westbrook. The Heat have a talented roster, including Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, and adding Westbrook to the mix would give the team another playmaker and lead.

The Heat have been one of the top teams in the league over the past few years, and having Westbrook on the roster would give them a boost in both talent and leadership. Westbrook would bring a new level of intensity to Miami, and his experience and leadership would be invaluable to the team.

The Miami Heat needed a point guard upgrade but could not make a move at the trade deadline. With Kyle Lowry's inconsistent play, Russell Westbrook's acquisition could be a brilliant decision for the Heat.

It would also be intriguing to see how he would perform under the strict and organized system of head coach Erik Spoelstra. The Miami Heat still have $3.3 million left of their mid-level exception, which they could use to sign Russell Westbrook while staying under the luxury tax threshold.