The NBA buyout market is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing storylines of the season, and one name that’s expected to draw real attention is Russell Westbrook. Yes, that Russell Westbrook-former MVP, relentless competitor, and one of the most polarizing players of the past decade.
While he’s had a solid year in Sacramento, the fit just hasn’t clicked long-term, and all signs point to a potential buyout. If that happens, the Philadelphia 76ers should be on the phone immediately.
Let’s be honest-Philly needs help at point guard. Tyrese Maxey has been phenomenal, blossoming into a bona fide All-Star, but the depth chart behind him is paper-thin.
Right now, the Sixers are relying on guys like Quentin Grimes and Trendon Watford to moonlight as ball handlers. That’s not just a short-term patch-it’s a long-term problem.
Maxey’s workload is already heavy, and without a true backup point guard, you’re risking both fatigue and predictability in the offense.
Enter Westbrook.
No, he’s not the MVP version from his Thunder days, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help. In fact, in the right role, he could be a real asset.
This season, he’s averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in just under 30 minutes a night. Those are solid numbers, especially considering he started the year as a rotational question mark under Kings coach Doug Christie before earning a full-time starting spot.
He’s shooting 43% from the field-not elite, but manageable-and he’s hitting a career-high 34.5% from three. That’s a quiet but important development for a player whose perimeter shooting has long been a sticking point.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Westbrook brings something else-energy, leadership, and a veteran presence that could serve this Sixers team well, especially down the stretch. He’s known for playing with a relentless motor, and coming off the bench, that could be a game-changer for a team looking to stay competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference.
There’s also a layer of familiarity here. Westbrook would be reuniting with Paul George, his former running mate in Oklahoma City.
That chemistry doesn’t just disappear, and it could help ease the transition. Plus, there’s a mentorship angle that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Maxey is still growing into his role as a lead guard, and rookie VJ Edgecombe is just beginning his NBA journey. Having someone like Westbrook around-someone who’s seen it all-could be invaluable for their development.
Of course, Westbrook isn’t a perfect fit. He’s a high-usage player by nature, and his playing style has often been at odds with modern spacing and efficiency trends.
But in a limited, clearly defined role? That’s where things get interesting.
If he’s willing to embrace a bench role and focus on running the second unit, pushing the pace, and providing leadership, the upside is real.
The Sixers don’t need Westbrook to be a star. They just need him to be stable, productive, and willing to adapt. And given where he is in his career, that’s a role he might be ready to accept.
Bottom line: the Sixers have a need, and Westbrook could fill it. The potential reward outweighs the risk, especially for a team with postseason ambitions and a glaring hole in the backcourt. If he hits the market, Philadelphia should be ready to make a move.