Report indicates the buyout market for Russell Westbrook is "slow-moving"

When former league MVP Russell Westbrook got traded to the Utah Jazz, few actually believed that he would stay in Salt Lake City and play for a rebuilding squad, with the expectation being he would get bought out and eventually sign with a contender. However, a week after he got traded, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the buyout market for someone of Westbrook's talent and advancing age is sluggish.

The buyout market for Westbrook is "slow-moving"

While rumors pointed to numerous teams like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and the Los Angeles Clippers as potential suitors, nothing has materialized as of yet.

"I have not heard any traction yet though with Russell Westbrook and the Clippers. Lawrence Frank—their head basketball operations official, he said that he wants defense and shooting from the position. So I don't know if Russ fits that but you know, when you look at teams around the league there, there is not a spot yet for Russell Westbrook," said Charania on FanDuel TV.

The league's deadline for a buyout is March 1, and Westbrook's camp has mentioned they would take the time during the All-Star break to evaluate their options and go from there. But as Charania reported, it appears no team has moved forward and offered a spot on the team to the nine-time All-Star.

The good with the bad

The apprehension coming from the other teams is understandable. After all, the UCLA product is not getting any younger, nor has he shown any inclination to change his style of play.

While Westbrook remains one of the most athletic point guards in the league—one capable of getting a triple-double in every game—his flaws are just as pronounced. Russ' horrid shooting percentage, lack of defensive awareness, and ball dominance have made teams take pause before making their next move.

One team, though, that can definitely make use of Westbrook's presence is the Chicago Bulls. With Lonzo Ball's return from two knee surgeries remaining uncertain, the Bulls have not had a reliable playmaker, with the position currently being manned by sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu.

In Westbrook, the Bulls get a proven leader who is capable of taking over games whenever he wants. His presence also gives the team another scoring option to take the pressure off of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.