As the NBA world waits for Russell Westbrook’s next move, an NBA writer linked the Detroit Pistons to the former MVP.
Putting together a handful of potential landing spots for the recent Sacramento Kings guard, Complex’s Matt Burke considers the Pistons a logical fit for the win-now veteran.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook Emerges as Pistons Option
“Last season, Westbrook did not find a home until October 15, a week before the start of the regular season. It is likely that Westbrook again won’t be signed until the last minute this season,” Burke wrote.
“… With the Pistons firmly in win-now mode, and win-later mode, Westbrook could provide the franchise with a nice stopgap.”
He added that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics could make sense as well.
Detroit Pistons Guard Depth
Since they cut ties with Jaden Ivey, the Pistons have been searching for a long-term backup ball handler behind Cade Cunningham.
The veteran Daniss Jenkins proved to be quite serviceable last season, even starting in the absence of Cunningham for a stretch. After appearing in 72 games, averaging 9.3 points and 3.9 assists while shooting 37.4% from deep, Jenkins is likely to have a role in 2026-2027.
Detroit also added Ebuka Okorie as its first-round pick in 2026. The 17th pick out of Stanford just wrapped up one season in the NCAA with averages of 23.3 points and 3.6 assists, while knocking down 35.4% of his threes.
Banking on a mid-round rookie to have an immediate role on a contender is a big gamble. Okorie flashed in college, but the NBA is a different ballgame.
Does Russell Westbrook Make Sense For Detroit?
Although he’s 37 and hasn’t been an All-Star since 2020, Westbrook would be the most notable star to share the court with Cunningham.
Westbrook has embraced backup roles in recent years, but he’s looked better as a starter in Denver and Sacramento. Last year, Westbrook knocked Dennis Schroder out of the Kings’ starting five after the Pistons allowed him to walk. In 64 games, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.
The Pistons spent the summer looking for shooters, though. Westbrook is a playmaker who can score, but he’s a 30.8% shooter from deep.
The former MVP is in a complicated stage of his career. Most contenders would want him in a bench role, but he’s proven he’s still good enough to start. It would have to be a bench role or bust in Detroit. Depending on the way the Pistons see the Jenkins-Okorie combo, the Pistons probably aren’t jumping to make a call to Westbrook at the moment.