Despite outperforming his contract in Sacramento, the former MVP faces a cold market and coaching concerns, leaving his veteran leadership available as training camps rapidly approach.
Last offseason, former NBA MVP point guard Russell Westbrook was one of the last free agents to be signed, joining the Sacramento Kings on a veteran minimum deal.
Its fair to say he far outplayed his contract value, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 33.8-percent shooting from 3-point range in 64 games.
Following the end of the year, both Westbrook and members from the team expressed interest in potentially reuniting, but with Sacramento's current cap situation, it seems unlikely that the team can offer any more than the same minimum deal.
On Sunday, NBA, NFL, and NCAA reporter Evan Sidery reported that Westbrook is not generating much interest on the open market, and could end up unsigned at the start of the season.
While this is not the first time Westbrook has stayed on the open market until late free agency, the nine-time All Star has bounced around the league in his later years, playing for seven different franchises in the past nine seasons.
Nevertheless, a team that struck out on the LeBron James sweepstakes could definitely benefit from Westbrook's leadership and experience.
The Miami Heat are one team that comes to mind, as South Beach has been rumored as a landing spot for Westbrook for multiple years.
However, a recent report may be hurting his chances, as an anonymous NBA source has called the nine-time All Star "difficult to coach."
Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson reported that a source close to Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has advised the team to be wary of Westbrook as a teammate, which seems like a stretch considering the heavy praise he received from members of the Kings
Head coach Doug Christie was a huge fan of Westbrook's play and attitude throughout the season as well, refuting the previous claims made about his veteran point guard.
"You see media and all these different things about Russ, for me none of that is true. People say a lot of different things. He is truly passionate," Christie said back in November. "Basketball is a game of mistakes we all make them. Give me a guy who leans on putting his foot on the gas. He gives you everything that he has and that is what you want."
In late March, Westbrook was called "one of the best — if not the best — teammates I've had in my career" by 17-year veteran Nicolas Batum.
Batum and Westbrook teamed up on the Los Angeles Clippers for two seasons following Westbrook's tedious tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
"When you play against him, he won't be your friend. He doesn't want to be your friend. But as a teammate, he's the best,” Batum said. “ The best. That's exactly why I loved playing with him. Because as soon as you step on the court with him, he plays at 100,000% every night."
While the booming dunks and electric finishes from Westbrook's prime may not be as common as his MVP years, the 37-year-old PG has remained effective, adjusting his game and filling up the stat sheet.
I find it very unlikely that this is it for the future Hall of Famer, but it will be interesting to see how his next chapter unfolds.
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