Rumors: Dallas Mavericks have zero interest in Russell Westbrook

The Dallas Mavericks need another ball-handler and playmaker after the departure of Jalen Brunson. They had their most success playing another playmaker next to Luka Doncic last season, but the only other ball-handler on their current roster is Spencer Dinwiddie.

The Mavs are still searching for trades. They have an open roster spot, and the front office would love to add a veteran role player that improves their chances to contend next season. The market is a bit frozen right now waiting for Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant trades to go down.

Russell Westbrook is another player to watch before training camp. The experiment in Los Angeles did not work last season, and the nine-time All-Star recently parted ways with his longtime agent. Tim MacMahon, Brian Windhorst, and Tim Bontemps discussed Westbrook’s situation on the Hoop Collective podcast that dropped on July 22, and the Mavs were rumored to be a destination.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks have zero interest in Russell Westbrook

Windhorst noted that some executives believe Westbrook could have a landing spot in Dallas if he becomes a free agent, but Tim MacMahon was quick to throw cold water on the nine-time All-Star joining the Mavericks.

"So you guys told me that you heard that, so I checked in. I got a very quick ‘hell no’."

MacMahon noted he could see the logic of Dallas getting draft compensation from the Lakers to take Westbrook, but he quickly shot down the Mavericks signing him as a free agent again. He noted the fit next to Luka Doncic and some past comments Mavs owner Mark Cuban made about Westbrook as reasons why he will not end up in Dallas.

The trio struggled to find a landing spot for Westbrook if he leaves the Lakers. They noted most teams looking to acquire him via trade are doing so with the idea of buying out his $47 million expiring contract. Some team is likely to give him a shot on a minimum deal if he becomes a free agent, but only if Westbrook is willing to accept a lesser role, which he remains unwilling to do.

Do not expect the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Russell Westbrook this summer, but they could get involved as a third team in a trade featuring the 2017 NBA MVP. Stay tuned to see where Westbrook ends up, and if the Mavs can find a deal that improves their roster before training camp.