Westbrook, Jazz open to ‘every possibility’

When the Utah Jazz traded for guard Russell Westbrook on Wednesday afternoon, the prevailing notion was that Utah would swiftly transfer to purchase Westbrook out, paving the best way for him to hit unrestricted company and signal with any workforce.

Which will but occur. However as we head into the weekend, it’s not fairly the layup that it appeared to be a couple of days in the past.

The Jazz and Westbrook have met and had a number of productive discussions surrounding his impending future as a member of the Jazz group. Because the Jazz begin a four-game street journey on Friday evening in Toronto towards the Raptors, there hasn’t been a choice made regarding Westbrook. However Westbrook, who got here to the Jazz from the Lakers and has had a Corridor of Fame profession, has expressed a willingness to remain in Utah and placed on a uniform.

“We’re open to each chance,” Jazz common supervisor Justin Zanik stated on Friday afternoon.

The Jazz have made it a degree to be clear on the place they’re as a company, and to place the proverbial ball in Westbrook’s court docket. They respect what Westbrook has been in a position to accomplish as a participant. So in conferences along with his illustration, together with agent Jeff Schwartz, they needed to provide Westbrook a say and a few management over what occurs subsequent in his course of as a participant.

So, what does this imply? The Jazz let Westbrook and his camp know that enjoying time might be sporadic if he does certainly resolve to play for the franchise. Utah simply traded away Malik Beasley, Mike Conley and Jarred Vanderbilt. They did so partially as a result of they wanted to clear enjoying time to search out out what they’ve in a few of their youthful gamers. On the level guard spot, Westbrook’s dominant place, the Jazz are going to provide heavy minutes to Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker going ahead.

And what meaning is Westbrook, if he decides to play with the Jazz, may very well accrue some DNP’s alongside the best way for the rest of the season. And that may be a tricky spot for a veteran as proud as Westbrook to be in. What Westbrook and his illustration have appreciated is the truth that the Jazz have been upfront and sincere about the place they’re as a workforce and as a company. Following the commerce deadline, this can be a workforce that’s going to spend money on its youthful gamers. That’s the fact of it.

So, these are Westbrook’s decisions as of Friday afternoon. He can resolve to play with the Jazz, which might imply the least quantity of minutes he’s performed in his NBA profession. The Jazz are proud of protecting him on the roster and Westbrook merely going house. There received’t be any onerous emotions both method, if Westbrook chooses that route. The Jazz would fully perceive and they might help his determination.

The professionals of that call for Westbrook are a number of. Clearly, he would nonetheless receives a commission his full contract. The Jazz would additionally accrue Westbrook’s chicken rights over the summer season, which might then open the signal and commerce route, presumably benefitting each events. However Westbrook, for a way ugly his tenure with the Lakers ended earlier within the week, had a superb season. He’s proven a willingness to come back off the bench. He’s largely confirmed to have sufficient expertise and skill to be an NBA participant after this present contract expires, and he’s proven a willingness to do what his workforce asks of him. So, if he doesn’t play one other recreation this season, common managers at free company time this summer season will keep in mind what he’s performed so far. If he performs for the Jazz, and he isn’t within the rotation each evening, that might have the power to skew issues for him in that method.

Westbrook might alternatively search the buyout that’s been reported to be imminent, and provides some a reimbursement on his contract. After which he could be free to signal with any workforce. Already there are experiences of different groups who’re keen to signal the high-octane guard. That may give Westbrook the runway to signal with a workforce that higher suits his timeline of desirous to play for a championship contender.

The Jazz will not be putting a deadline on a choice from Westbrook, league sources inform The Athletic. That call might come at any time. However that call is his to make. The Jazz will transfer ahead accordingly when Westbrook makes his selection.

A pure deadline of March 1 does exist, so to talk. That’s the NBA’s deadline to be on a roster so as to have the ability to take part within the postseason. However the Jazz are at present on a four-game journey that goes by way of Toronto, New York, Indiana and Memphis. After that’s All-Star weekend. And after that, the Jazz have a couple of video games earlier than March 1. So, that ought to presumably give Westbrook sufficient time to weigh the professionals and cons of no matter he needs to do.

The Jazz have been completely satisfied that the 2 sides have been so amicable at this level, and proud of Westbrook’s professionalism. Now, the 2 sides simply should work by way of your complete course of till the method involves a conclusion, whichever conclusion that’s.

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(Photograph: Mark J. Rebilas / USA In the present day)