NBA Rumors: Another Team Emerges As Surprise Suitor For Russell Westbrook

The Russell Westbrook saga in Los Angeles will continue to simmer all summer, it appears. The latest rumor posits that another team has emerged that could have interest in taking the beleaguered point guard off the Los Angeles Lakers' hands. 

The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that "the Indiana Pacers could emerge as a potential suitor for Westbrook, rival executives believe." He suggests that if the Pacers were looking to shed future salary (past 2023), they could look at dealing some longer-term contracts to the Lakers in return for Westbrook's expiring $47M. 

Ironically, one of those contracts the Pacers could look to send back to LA would be Buddy Hield, who the Lakers were this close to trading for last summer before the Westbrook trade was made with the Washinton Wizards. 

Rival executives believe the Pacers could emerge as a potential suitor for Russell Westbrook, per @ShamsCharania.

Teams expect Indiana to be open to trade conversations around Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield this offseason.

More intel: https://t.co/xiTvvQ23GE pic.twitter.com/4fvtwaqxgq

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 11, 2022

Charania says rival teams expect Indiana to be open to trade conversations around Hield, and fellow backcourt mate Malcolm Brogdon. Those two have nearly $110M still owing over the next few years, so perhaps the Pacers could look to shed salary that way, argues Charania. 

The same theory was floated last week when it was suggested that the Charlotte Hornets could be a potential suitor for the 9-time All-Star.

One thing is for certain—Westbrook's name will no doubt be dragged through the rumor mill throughout the offseason.

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports