Russell Westbrook

Adding Westbrook and losing Vanderbilt and Beasley represents a serious roster shakeup for the 11th-place Utah Jazz. Westbrook doesn't fit the team's timeline, ...

[Patrick Beverley](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/beverpa01.html) to the Magic in exchange for [Mo Bamba](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bambamo01.html). His veteran leadership will be huge for a struggling locker room and should help [Rudy Gobert](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.baseball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-02-09_bbr) offensively. The deal opens up more room in the Lakers’ guard rotation for [Austin Reaves](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reaveau01.html), [Dennis Schroder](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/schrode01.html), and [Lonnie Walker](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walkelo01.html). Bryant was a strong fill-in for [Anthony Davis](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisan02.html) while Davis was hurt, but Bryant’s weakness on defense makes him unreliable as a backup center. Bamba will have limited minutes behind Davis at the center position and could be fantasy relevant for games that Davis rests. [Walker Kessler](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kesslwa01.html) continued to impress the Utah coaches and front office. Losing Russell Westbrook and adding D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley is a huge deal for the struggling Lakers. Russell looks locked in to be the Lakers' new point guard. Russell will have plenty of room to get his shots in. But that’ll be hard to do if they’re going to give any minutes to the ball-dominant Westbrook. Olynyk is worth adding to see what the Utah offense will look like. Adding Westbrook and losing Vanderbilt and Beasley represents a serious roster shakeup for the 11th-place Utah Jazz.

The former MVP point guard has been traded for the fourth time in his career as he leaves LeBron James and his hometown Los Angeles Lakers where he could ...

Still able of big performances, Westbrook will still have a role to play on the next team is on, and although he has been traded to the Utah Jazz, it might not be for them. Westbrook has made an absurd amount of money - still being signed to the biggest contract in NBA history when he signed a $205million extension in 2017. Westbrook was traded for as the third superstar to bring in alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but his decline in recent years has continued, with him relegated to a role off-the-bench, playing in lieu of James with the two just not working together on the court.

NBA fans and media members react to the biggest moves at the trade deadline, including the Lakers trading Russell Westbrook.

[he tweeted](https://twitter.com/forumbluegold/status/1623504750074540034). Co-host of the “Lakers Film Room” podcast Darius Soriano expressed optimism about the trade. [tweeted NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett](https://twitter.com/KevinGarnett5KG/status/1623499494263341058). “You got more athletic, you got a real rebounder. Dumping him with a protected first for this haul of three players might just save their season.” Hell of a move for everybody.” “Lakers got shooting, scoring and athletic wing. The Lakers traded point guard and L.A. [Colin Cowherd in a Twitter video](https://twitter.com/ColinCowherd/status/1623512932314382336?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet). [thoughts on Twitter](https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1623502436873932800) on Wednesday, writing, “Acquiring Russell Westbrook is one of the biggest mistakes in the history of the Lakers. [he tweeted](https://twitter.com/rolopez42/status/1623588927863939073). [sources familiar with the deal told the Los Angeles Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-02-08/lakers-trade-russell-westbrook-dangelo-russell-timberwolves-jazz).

After a tumultuous 18 months, the Lakers and Russell Westbrook finally moved on from one another. As part of a three-team deal with the Utah Jazz and ...

After Irving was traded to Dallas on Sunday, he told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon that he was [“disappointed”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fUNJPR5x8) the Lakers didn’t land his former running mate. [Utah Jazz](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/jazz/) and [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/timberwolves/), the Lakers traded Westbrook, [Juan Toscano-Anderson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/juan-toscano-anderson-EdadkV0srbvTOjpK/), [Damian Jones](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/damian-jones-UMnCOlAwvmwVZkdt/) and a first-round pick to Utah, and a 2024 second-round pick to Minnesota, [league sources told The Athletic on Wednesday](https://theathletic.com/4168855/2023/02/08/lakers-trade-russell-westbrook-dangelo-russell/). But when this three-team deal was finally done, with the very real possibility of missing the playoffs a driving force for these underachieving Lakers and more roster moves to come, this harrowing homecoming finally came to an end. The following day, when James was asked if Irving would help the Lakers, he made his view more transparently known by deeming it a [ ‘duh’ question](https://sports.yahoo.com/lebron-james-responds-duh-kyrie-192226858.html). [now often says](https://theathletic.com/4068034/2023/01/08/lebron-james-lakers-trades-frustration/) that roster management is vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka’s job, the proverbial separation of church and state didn’t exist when this deal went down. [conspicuously-timed tweet](https://twitter.com/kingjames/status/1621628645721755650?s=61&t=6ytNzwlwDdP9dOcVvzGNBw) on Friday, sharing the eyes-wide-open emoji and a champion’s crown not long after Irving asked for a trade out of Brooklyn. Never mind that he was just 18 months removed from leading the Lakers to the storied franchise’s 17th title in the Orlando bubble. From both ends of this spectrum – Westbrook’s maneuvering with Washington, James and Davis exerting their influence on the Lakers – this was a superstar-driven trade if ever there was one. As had been the case so many times before, when the coaching staff struggled with Westbrook’s unwillingness to be held accountable for his play, Westbrook wasn’t hearing it. So Ham, whose offseason pitch to land this coaching job had included a promise to communicate directly, candidly and fearlessly with his players, did just that when the team reached the locker room. That upset the bench and led to a more contentious argument between Westbrook and head coach Darvin Ham during intermission, as first reported by ESPN on Wednesday. Westbrook was sent to the Jazz, though he’s expected to be bought out and will command interest from the Clippers and Bulls, according to [The Athletic](https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU/status/1623495680307396608) and [Turner Sports](https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1623503500088070146).

The Bulls have been quiet at the NBA trade deadline, but one report says they could pursue Russell Westbrook if he receives a buyout from the Utah Jazz.

On Wednesday, the Lakers dealt Westbrook to the Jazz as part of a three-team trade.A [Bulls](https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls), a last-minute report surfaced that Russell Westbrook may end up in Chicago if he receives a buyout from the Utah Jazz. For the

Where Westbrook goes now, likely to the buyout market where he'll try to latch onto another team for the rest of the season, is often the first salvo in a ...

Where Westbrook goes now, likely to the buyout market where he'll try to latch onto another team for the rest of the season, is often the first salvo in a ...

In the latest "How 'Bout This Jazz" newsletter, former MVP Russell Westbrook was included in Wednesday's seismic three-team trade, but seems destined to ...

[part of the haul the team got in exchange for trading Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/07/01/utah-jazz-trade-rudy-gobert/). About a month after that, the Jazz tried to do right by him, [sending him to the Lakers in exchange for Talen Horton-Tucker](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/08/24/utah-jazz-trade-patrick-beverley/). [Listen to the “How ‘Bout This Jazz” podcast](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2023/02/10/how-bout-this-jazz-podcast-trade/) Four weeks later, he made it known he was happy to play for the Jazz if they decided not to [trade Donovan Mitchell](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/09/01/donovan-mitchell-traded-by-utah/) and [remain a competitive team](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/07/29/patrick-beverley-highlights-utah/), but that he had no interest in being on a rebuilding roster. underwhelmed, and as part of the team’s latest reset, he was traded to Orlando on Thursday in exchange for Mo Bamba.) [Click here](https://www.sltrib.com/how-bout-this-jazz/) to sign up for the full How ‘Bout This Jazz newsletter. He came to the Jazz this past July 1 as The ALL CAPS-tweeting Crowder became a fan favorite here, but Rose — the former MVP whose career was beset by serious knee problems — was bought out because, [as my coverage partner Andy Larsen put it:](https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2018/11/01/jazz-timberwolves/) “He’s had a negative plus-minus for the last four years, and with his high usage rate, could have hijacked the Jazz’s offense.” [another three-team trade](https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/jazz-acquire-three-players-and-two-future-draft-picks-three-team-trade), this time to ship off [disgruntled center Enes Kanter](https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2342163&itype=CMSID). It’s one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history, considering they gave away a future Hall of Famer and one of the most electrifying players ever, but it helped the franchise stay afloat. So, in honor of the just-completed trade deadline, let’s take a look at the All-Time Never Played for the Jazz Team. The relationship got off to a rocky start when the organization apparently angered him by telling him they planned to use him as a power forward. He is, in theory, a 2023 Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Nina Westbrook, the wife of Russell Westbrook, reacted to Dave McMenamin's comment about her husband. McMenamin, Ramone Shelburne, Brian Windhorst, ...

"A source!? "Westbrook was not going to be a part of the team after the summer. "On a personal note, I have school-aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father.

Warriors forward Draymond Green has defended Russell Westbrook after Dave McMenamin likened Westbrook's trade to Utah to removing a vampire from the locker ...

That meaning, a vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room. “You get younger, you got shooting, you got switchable defenders, and as one source told me, you remove a vampire from the locker room. “This was the time to do it.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green defended Utah Jazz point guard Russell Westbrook following a report from ESPN's Dave McMenamin on NBA Today...

Russell Westbrook's wife, Nina:

"I have school aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. Green also said that the "vampire" comment should be backed up with specific examples and facts. That meaning, a vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room.

The Russell Westbrook era came to an end in Los Angeles just before the NBA trade deadline. The Lakers sent the point guard away after a dysfunctional ...

Outside of all the basketball stuff or what people say about him on the floor, he’s a really good dude.” but he’s in a good place and is just ready to get back to being Russ. The two previously shared the same agent and had a relationship even before joining forces in LA.

Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said the recently acquired Russell Westbrook is open to being with the organization.

“He’s been very open to different roles in that, and so we’re just giving him some time and continuing to talk.” [97.5 The KSL Sports Zone](https://kslsports.com/stream/). Jazz say he's open to different roles. “But he’s been great. “We are open to all sorts of possibilities with him,” Zanik said. “And he has been very positive on being here in Utah and we’ve been very open to the possibilities of him.”

After the Lakers traded Russell Westbrook to the Jazz on Wednesday, his wife ripped a report by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

In addition to Westbrook, the Jazz got forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, center Damian Jones and a 2027 Lakers first-round pick. “Statements like this is what adds to the HATE of players because take these ‘statements from said sources’ to be the gospel!!!!! “That meaning, a vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room. “On a personal note, I have school aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. “These ‘sources’ NEED to be identified if you’re going on air and DEFAME us athletes!!” Owens wrote. “As one source told me, you remove a vampire from the locker room,” McMenamin said Thursday on ESPN’s “NBA Today” trade deadline special.

The wife of Russell Westbrook has slammed ESPN after a report claiming the former Los Angeles Lakers star was a 'vampire' in the locker room prior to being ...

[Russell Westbrook was traded from the Lakers to the Utah Jazz](/sport/nba/article-11729769/Russell-Westbrook-traded-away-Lakers-Utah-LA-reunites-DAngelo-Russell.html) on Wednesday in a three-team trade which led to D'Angelo Russell's reunion with the LA franchise. [LA](/news/los-angeles/index.html) Lakers star was a 'vampire' in the locker room. The wife of Russell Westbrook has slammed ESPN after a report claiming the former

Russell Westbrook has not been officially bought out of his contract by the Utah Jazz, who traded for him as part of a three-team deal on Wednesday.

"I think one team you got to watch and I think will be a frontrunner are the Chicago Bulls. He is [reportedly open](https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1624151588066693120) to staying with the Jazz, but the wide belief is that he will ultimately move on. His decision on whether to ask for a buyout is expected to come soon.

Russell Westbrook's wife Nina pushed back on ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin saying that an unnamed Lakers source described him as a "vampire."

[reportedly got into a heated exchange on Tuesday night](https://thecomeback.com/nba/russell-westbrook-darvin-ham-lakers-heated-exchange.html), just a few days before he was traded. “This also slander because anyone who knows anything knows that this couldn’t be further from the truth. On a personal note, I have school-aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. I guess I will prepare myself to explain to my 5 year old that his dad is not actually a vampire." You get younger, you got shooting, you got switchable defenders, and as one source told me, ‘you remove a vampire from the locker room.’ That meaning the vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room. “So you had to do it if you wanted to get those pieces you could have part of the team moving forward. Now, his wife is pushing back on ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin and his source who said that her husband was a “vampire” in the Lakers locker room. [February 9, 2023] [February 10, 2023] I guess I will prepare myself to explain to my 5-year-old that his dad is not actually a vampire and that major news outlets only say things like that to get attention.” “This is just sick ESPN… [Russell Westbrook](https://awfulannouncing.com/tag/russell-westbrook) was not going to be a part of the team after this summer when his contract expired, and also when his contract came off the books, the Lakers would have less money to deal with in the free agency period this summer,” said McMenamin.

Westbrook, traded Wednesday from the Lakers, has not ruled out staying with the Jazz.

That’s the NBA’s deadline to be on a roster in order to be able to participate in the postseason. Now, the two sides just have to work through the entire process until the process comes to a conclusion, whichever conclusion that is. And that can be a tough spot for a veteran as proud as Westbrook to be in. Westbrook could alternatively seek the buyout that’s been reported to be imminent, and give some money back on his contract. The Jazz are happy with keeping him on the roster and Westbrook simply going home. The Jazz would completely understand and they would support his decision. What Westbrook and his representation have appreciated is the fact that the Jazz have been upfront and honest about where they are as a team and as an organization. The Jazz let Westbrook and his camp know that playing time could be sporadic if he does indeed decide to play for the franchise. At the point guard spot, Westbrook’s dominant position, the Jazz are going to give heavy minutes to [Collin Sexton](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/collin-sexton-jCFYX7EfPBqJnZIT/) and [Talen Horton-Tucker](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/talen-horton-tucker-BTRutYr7uDmgEReU/) going forward. [Malik Beasley](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/malik-beasley-yfU5XpdFccfejw6f/), [Mike Conley](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/mike-conley-ATGxUh1i1HZNS4FM/) and [Jarred Vanderbilt](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jarred-vanderbilt-PmTxzdRpyfGBRjkU/). So in meetings with his representation, including agent Jeff Schwartz, they wanted to give Westbrook a say and some control over what happens next in his process as a player. As the Jazz start a four-game road trip on Friday night in Toronto against the

Westbrook was dumped by the Lakers in a three-team trade after his big-time move to Los Angeles to partner with Anthony Davis and LeBron James turned into a ...

He added the comment “just felt like a shot at (Westbrook’s) character,” saying: “and me personally, I know Russell Westbrook does not have bad character. “You get younger, you got shooting, you got switchable defenders, and as one source told me, you remove a vampire from the locker room. That meaning, a vampire sucks the blood out of the locker room. “On a personal note, I have school aged children who have to listen to their peers repeat the nasty things that you guys say on television about their father. “One team you’ve got to watch and will be a frontrunner is the Chicago Bulls,” Adrian Wojnarowski said on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “Billy Donovan, their head coach, certainly coached Westbrook in Oklahoma City. “This was the time to do it. “This also slander because anyone who knows anything knows that this couldn’t be further from the truth. “He’s been very open to different roles in that, and so we’re just giving him some time and continuing to talk.” With the Bulls, you can certainly see how he fits just bringing some energy and some fire to that team’s bench.” Nevertheless, the Jazz are a team in rebuilding mode, prioritising giving minutes to young players. The Chicago Bulls have been labelled the ‘frontrunner’ to sign Westbrook should he secure a buyout. The Jazz sit 10th in the West and remain in contention for a playoff spot, despite losing a number of key players in the trade window.