Where does Westbrook go: The four potential basketball layouts and opportunities

On August 7, famous reporter Brett Siegel deeply analyzed Westbrook's future. In the league, the teams' demand for backcourt depth has never stopped, which also indicates that Westbrook will determine his new owner before the training camp begins. However, the offseason is coming to an end, and which of the 30 teams will send an olive branch to this experienced point guard? The following four teams have entered people's vision. Not only do they have lineup quotas, but they also have their own rationality to sign Westbrook.

The Sacramento Kings seem to be the ideal destination for Westbrook, and this possibility has attracted much attention since the free agent market began. Kings' Scott Perry favored Westbrook as early as when he was in office with the Knicks. Even though the team signed Dennis Schroeder in the offseason, negotiations with Westbrook were not interrupted. The Kings' determination to transform the backcourt has been revealed since trading Fox to the Spurs in February this year. Schroeder's offensive rhythm is calm, and Westbrook's joining can inject a different kind of vitality into the team. After all, the Kings have always played with fast-paced offense. However, the key to whether the Kings will introduce Westbrook is to pursue Kumingga's progress. As a restricted free agent, the Warriors will definitely keep it with all their might. If you go away Monk in order to get the Kuminga trade, then it would be natural to cut Terence-Davis and then sign Westbrook.

The Phoenix Suns are constantly moving during this offseason. They traded Durant to the Rockets, bought out Bill, and made a major change in the lineup around Booker. Now Jaylen Green has become the core guard in the backcourt with Booker, and the team has become younger, more athletic and fast. Despite this, boss Ishbiya and new head coach Ott are still eager for the team to make a playoff spot in the fiercely competitive West. To achieve this, the sorting of the backcourt lineup is crucial. At present, except Booker and Green, the team's defender depth only depends on Colin-Gillespie, Goodwin and Jared Butler. Can such a configuration help the team to a higher level? Introducing an experienced organizational core like Westbrook will not only allow Booker to return to the shooting guard position where he is better at, but also speed up the pace of the game with young players. And in pick-and-roll cooperation with Mark Williams, Richards and Maruarch, Westbrook's power cannot be underestimated. But the Suns' salaries are slightly higher than the luxury tax line. If the season's prospects are not good, they may cut their salaries to avoid paying luxury taxes, and signing Westbrook will make their salaries more than they can. It all depends on the Suns' positioning for the new season: whether to strive for victory or focus on cultivating young players. However, Westbrook is fully capable of serving as the sixth man after Booker and Green to contribute to the team.

Minnesota Timberwolves became an interesting potential option for Westbrook in the late NBA free agent market. For the first time in the history of the Timberwolves, it has reached the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years. Edwards is gradually moving towards the ranks of superstars. The team hopes to once again strive for the championship in the 2025-26 season and break through the bottleneck to enter the finals. Westbrook's aggressive style of playing on the court will complement each other with Edwards in the backcourt. In addition, the Timberwolves' backcourt talent is also imminent, especially the uncertainty of the players behind Conley. Can Dillingham, who entered his second season, take on the heavy responsibility of No. 2 point guard? Is Divinchenzo more suitable for playing without the ball or pushing with the ball? It is obviously not a good idea to let Edwards control the ball too much when Conley leaves the court, and excessive physical energy consumption. In an era of blurred position, although Edwards has the ability to control the team, it is undoubtedly more beneficial to the team with reliable players like Westbrook as a backing. Whether it is ultimately signed Westbrook or other veterans, the Timberwolves are expected to use one of the last two places to introduce experienced defenders.

Atlanta Hawks, as another team in the free agent market that may be interested in Westbrook, it would be wise for Westbrook to join a team with core players and competitive. The Hawks have taken a step towards the championship by bringing in Porzingis, Alexander Walker and Kennard this summer. Playing side by side with players such as Trae Young, Jaylen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, the team is expected to become the most advanced team in the East in the 2025-26 season. However, there are questions about the depth of the team's backcourt. If Trae Young or Daniels suffers an injury, can Kobe Buffkin or Kreich keep the team competitive? Considering that the Hawks like fast-paced play, they ranked third in the league last season, and both ranked top in scoring and conversion offensive scores, while Westbrook is good at fast-paced, and his comprehensive organizational ability is exactly what the Hawks' substitute lineup lacks. The two may be able to achieve a surprising combination.

Westbrook's next choice is not only related to the continuation of his personal career, but also has a profound impact on the new season journey of these four teams. Let's wait and see which team will be injected with new vitality into Westbrook.