The former MVP is trending after the Milwaukee Bucks' latest move.
Russell Westbrook Is Trending After Bucks’ Move on Saturday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Russell Westbrook is one of the more accomplished players available in free agency. The 2017 NBA MVP has nine All-Star appearances, nine All-NBA appearances, two All-Star Game MVP honors, and is a two-time scoring champion.
At 36 years old, Westbrook is not the player he once was, but he helped the Denver Nuggets tremendously with their latest season. In 75 games, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 45% from the field.
After opting out of his contract with the Nuggets, Westbrook is free to join whoever he wants. One team that could make some sense is the Milwaukee Bucks, who recently waived and stretched Damian Lillard to make room for Myles Turner.
Westbrook could be Lillard's replacement as the Bucks point guard, and was linked to them in a recent report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
"The expectation surrounding the Bucks is that they will be utilizing one of their final roster spots to add extra guard depth after bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins in free agency," he wrote. "Given Westbrook's athleticism and speed, he would be an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on a Bucks team that likes to push the pace in transition."
However, that doesn't appear to be in the cards now. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a contract buyout with Cole Anthony, who will sign with the Bucks once he clears waivers.
"Cole Anthony has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote. "Grizzlies finalized the buyout with Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports for Anthony's new opportunity."
Cole Anthony has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. Grizzlies finalized the buyout with Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports for Anthony's new opportunity. pic.twitter.com/HnCsmxaqcz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2025
The Bucks signing Anthony made many conclude that Westbrook would not be Milwaukee-bound.
"MY TEAM DIDN'T SIGN RUSSELL WESTBROOK," one fan wrote with a GIF of Patrick Beverley throwing his jersey into a crowd in celebration.
"Russ fc there goes the bucks," another fan stated.
"Lmao this kind of dashes my hope for Russell Westbrook to the bucks smh," another complained.
"Now where does westbrook go," one asked.
"RUSSELL WESTBROOK (you) ARE A LAKER" a Lakers fan decreed.
Westbrook played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2021 to 2023. If Westbrook joins a new team that he has not joined before, it would make for his seventh NBA team, and seventh in the last eight years.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
