.jpg)
6 hours ago
1
The rumors suggested Russell Westbrook might leave to play basketball in Europe for a Godfather-like offer.
But those don't appear to have been totally accurate.
The team linked to Westbrook, Hapoel Tel Aviv, denies it.
Their GM, George Hinas, spoke to Basketball Sphere to clear some things up on a rumored $50 million per year offer.
“That’s 100% fake news," Hinas said. "There were numbers mentioned — $50 million per year — which is crazy. I get that Hapoel Tel Aviv draws attention because we’re spending money. I counted 37 players who were linked with us. It’s good we’ll have three rosters, because when you have 37 players, it makes things easier (laughs). To be serious — it’s not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.”
MORE: LeBron James retirement plans get unexpected update
It's not clear that Russ would've had any interest in playing in Europe anyway, but this appears to slow the roll on that a bit.
He's still a talented player, although a bit erratic, and he was a liability at times in the playoffs this spring for the Denver Nuggets.
There are likely a couple NBA teams who could still use Westbrook to help run some of the show and to help sell some tickets.
If there really wound up being a $50 million per year offer overseas, it'd be tough for Westbrook not to at least consider it.
But if there's no such offer to begin with, then Westbrook has no need to think about such a long journey any more.
English (US)