Washington Wizards Free Agent Player Profile: Russell Westbrook

The Washington Wizards are gearing up for a playoff push for the first time in six seasons, but they still have a massive hole to fill on their roster. 

They've added some proven veteran depth in Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton, along with trading for Trae Young and Anthony Davis. 

However, reports indicate that Washington remains in the market for a backup point guard, preferably a veteran who can lead the second unit alongside guard Bub Carrington.

One player that has been heavily linked to Washington is none other than former Wizard and MVP Russell Westbrook, who is coming off his 18th season in the league with the Sacramento Kings. 

So, let's dive into whether or not Westbrook would be a good fit for Washington. 

While Westbrook isn't the explosive guard he used to be, he can still contribute to winning due to his high motor, rim pressure and playmaking skills. 

Westbrook is coming off a season where he averaged 15.2 PPG (most since 2022-23), 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on 42.7% shooting from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. 

Westbrook was thrusted into a difficult situation last season with Sacramento, as he started 58 out of 64 games on one of the least talented teams in the league. 

However, there's reason to believe Westbrook would be a strong bench option for Washington as his weaknesses would be hidden nicely alongside Washington's young core and proven talent. 

The biggest knock on Westbrook's game has always been his shooting (career 30.8% from three), but by putting him alongside snipers Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington, Westbrook will be able to run the offense and facilitate the ball to Washington's shooters.

Westbrook had 3.7 rim assists (73rd percentile) per 100 possessions last season, meaning he frequently created made baskets at the rim for teammates through lobs, cuts, interior passes, dribble handoffs and drive and kick passes. For a roster that adds Deandre Ayton to Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt, that matters.

While Westbrook wouldn't be relied on the score the ball much, he has still displayed that even at the age of 37, he can still score when needed. 

It's reasonable to believe that Westbrook wouldn't command an expensive contract, as he's clearly declining and is on the tail end of his career, making him an even more intriguing option. He signed a one-year, $3.6 million dollar veteran minimum contract with Sacramento last offseason, so he could make similar to that in 2026-27.

It's never a bad idea to surround a young, up and coming team with veterans who can help bridge the gap between being a bottom feeder to a team trying to contend in what should be an extremely competitive Eastern Conference. 

While Washington could very well enter next season with the team they have now, they are expected to add one more veteran guard, and I'd put my money on them signing Westbrook. 

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