The Atlanta Hawks Might Be Landing Russell Westbrook?! Here's What That Could Mean
Hold on—did someone say Russell Westbrook to the Hawks?! Yes, you read that right. According to new odds released yesterday, the Atlanta Hawks are the second most likely team to land the former MVP and future Hall of Famer. Let's break down the hype, the fit, and what this move could mean for Atlanta.
Wait... Russ to ATL?!
The betting odds are in. The Brooklyn Nets are listed as the favorites to sign Westbrook this offseason—but right behind them? Your Atlanta Hawks, sitting at +700.
That’s not just some random clickbait oddsmaking. That means someone out there thinks there’s real smoke here.
Can the Hawks Afford Russ?
The short answer: Yes.
Russell Westbrook is a free agent this offseason. That means he’s not a trade target—you can sign him outright, and the Hawks have the mid-level exception to do it. Best of all, it wouldn’t wreck their salary cap.
And with Onsi Saleh maybe stepping into the lead decision-making role (a cap wizard by trade), this could be a signature “creative” front office move.
Why Russ Makes Sense in Atlanta
Look, we know Russ isn’t the triple-double machine from OKC. But he’s still got value—a LOT of value:
14.5 PPG
6.0 RPG
6.9 APG
52.5% FG as a starter this past season
Oh, and team he started for? They went 20–9. That’s not a fluke.
Say what you want, but Westbrook wins games, leads locker rooms, and pushes the tempo.
The Second Unit Savior
The Hawks relied heavily—too heavily—on Trae Young to generate offense. When he sat, things stalled.
Now imagine this:
Trae checks out
Russ checks in
The pace goes UP, not down
The second unit actually functions
Westbrook could run the offense, mentor young guards, and bring playoff-tested leadership to a team that’s still trying to find its identity.
Could He Start? Could He Co-Exist With Trae?
Maybe. Maybe not. But that’s not the point.
Russ doesn’t need to be the guy anymore. What he needs is a role—and the Hawks could give him a meaningful one. A second-unit quarterback with experience, fire, and no fear? That’s exactly what this team lacks.
Plus, Quin Snyder’s offense thrives on tempo, ball movement, and energy. Russ checks all three boxes.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Risk?
There’s no such thing as a perfect offseason move. But if the price is right, and the role is clear, Russell Westbrook in a Hawks jersey makes a lot of sense.
He’s not the MVP anymore. But he’s a respected vet, a floor general, and someone who can raise the bar for a young, hungry team.
So… should the Hawks make the call?
Drop your take in the comments. Would you want Russ backing up Trae? Starting alongside him? Or are you steering clear?
Either way, the rumor’s out there—and the buzz is real.
As always—Let’s Go Hawks!
