With the NBA season just over a week away from tipping off, nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook remains unsigned. Despite still being unsigned, Westbrook has zero interest in playing overseas, per Marc Stein. Frankly, why should he? Westbrook is flawed, sure, but he just averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists last season.
There remains mutual interest between Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings, who have long been considered the main suitor for Westbrook. The Minnesota Timberwolves don't have confirmed interest in Westbrook. However, some fans might want Minnesota to sign the veteran, given their well-discussed point guard problems. Westbrook is a talented all-around guard, but the Wolves should and, in all likelihood, will avoid signing him despite technically still having an open roster spot.
Making a move at the deadline if Dillingham doesn't work out is more logical
Mike Conley is 38, and second-year guard Rob Dillingham doesn't seem ready for a massive role. It's fair to believe this issue will plague the Wolves. Regardless, making a move at the trade deadline would be most prudent. This would give the Wolves a chance to make a more needle-moving addition and would allow them to see what they have with Dillingham.
Even though Dillingham has struggled so far in preseason, the Wolves need to see what they have with the 2024 No. 8 pick. If they end up landing a guard at the deadline, so be it, but they have to give Dillingham some opportunity first. The Kentucky product averaged just 10.5 minutes across 49 games last season. With Conley aging and Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure, Dillingham will get some more minutes in Chris Finch's rotation this season.
Again, it's entirely possible that Dillingham isn't ready to take on a sizable role, and the Wolves have to make a move at the deadline. Nevertheless, Dillingham could be ready for this key role, and he's earned the right to prove himself at the very least.
Signing a guard just over a week before the season starts would go against the Wolves' approach all offseason long, and they would be completely punting on Dillingham. Bringing in Westbrook remains an unlikely scenario, even if it's in the middle of the season, and it very much should be unlikely.
Westbrook's fit with the Wolves wouldn't be ideal
Beyond the issues previously outlined, Westbrook's fit with the Wolves is a mixed bag. On one hand, his playmaking and energy would be a welcome sight. While Westbrook is a gifted passer, he struggles with turnovers (3.2 per game last season) and often takes ill-advised shots. As a result, this type of guard wouldn't be an ideal fit for a Wolves squad that already struggles with turnovers and shot selection.
Westbrook does generate a ton of rim pressure and is a capable perimeter shot creator. Plus, he'd help the Wolves in transition. Nonetheless, per DataBallr, Westbrook ranked in the 57th percentile for field goal percentage at the rim last season and ranked below the 50th percentile in the two seasons before that. The Wolves don't just need someone who can get to the rim; they need someone who can score efficiently at it.
On top of this, Westbrook's poor 3-point shooting will always make him a tricky fit with any team. In fact, it could be argued that this is the main reason he remains unsigned.
Ultimately, while some might think signing Westbrook would be beneficial to the Wolves, it's a move that presents more problems than solutions.