The LA Clippers' front office has done a fantastic job of retooling ever since losing Paul George in free agency. Some thought losing the All-Star forward would put the Clippers in a hole for next season, but management was clearly prepared and immediately made moves to supplant his lost production.
Now, the Clippers' roster is deep and loaded with talent that should be able to help them remain as a top-five team in the Western Conference for 2024-25. However, the one thing they probably have too much of at the moment is ball-handling guards.
Looking at the team's depth chart, LA currently has at least five players that can play the role of a lead ball-handler. One of those players, Russell Westbrook, is expected to be moved by the team this offseason. If the Clippers go through with trading Westbrook, these are six teams that could make sense as potential trade partners.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
This one has to be the most obvious choice. The team that Russ was drafted by and where he etched his name into the NBA history books would be a fantastic coming home story. The Thunder could use Westbrook as a high-energy backup to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he could ride off into the sunset in a city where he is universally loved. OKC is already looking like the clear-cut top seed in the conference next season again, so why not make a low-risk move like adding Russ?
2. Denver Nuggets
There have already been rumors of the Nuggets' interest in Westbrook. Basically, the 2023 NBA champions are hurting for production further down their bench, with their depth taking a hit following Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's departure. Perhaps the only player that could fit as well next to Nikola Jokic as Aaron Gordon does is Westbrook. Russ would be right at home roaming off the ball and waiting for The Joker to throw him perfectly-timed lob passes.
3. Phoenix Suns
Plenty of teams are extremely hampered financially this offseason, and that applies more to the Suns than perhaps any other team. With their front office only able to sign minimum contracts this summer, Phoenix could bring on Westbrook and pair he and Kevin Durant up once again to create the ultimate throwback duo. Plus, it may be one of the best options the Suns have left at this point.
4. Miami Heat
With the Heat's management seeming stuck in the mud and Miami's fanbase endlessly frustrated with their team's lack of any legitimate moves, trading for Russell Westbrook could be a nice compromise for the Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls. The Heat have been operating with a play-in level team for the last two seasons now, and a veteran like Russ could be just what they need to bring a spark off the bench.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Another of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves have nearly everything they need to make yet another deep run in the playoffs next season. The one thing you can argue they are missing is a backup point guard. Rookie Rob Dillingham is expected to contribute from the start, but Minnesota could still use a reliable veteran like Westbrook on a minimum-type deal.
6. New York Knicks
One of the most up-and-coming teams in the East, the Knicks' offseason additions may put them up there in a similar realm as the Celtics next season. As great as Jalen Brunson is, every great point guard needs a reliable backup. Miles McBride was solid as a bench ball-handler in New York last season, but Tom Thibodeau is fond of veterans that play hard. Russell Westbrook certainly fits into that category.