Kendrick Perkins pushes Bucks to add Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook remains one of the top free agents still available, and his former teammate Kendrick Perkins recently urged the Milwaukee Bucks to bring him in. So far, the Bucks haven’t made any move to sign him, but it’s easy to imagine Westbrook taking charge and energizing Milwaukee’s offense.

Perkins expressed surprise that Westbrook remains unsigned, insisting the veteran guard deserves a spot in the league. “I think he should be on the Milwaukee Bucks right now,” Perkins said on his appearance in the Road Trippin’ podcast.

“I really do.”

Bucks with the Brodie?

The Bucks may sound like a logical fit, but their roster moves tell a different story. Milwaukee re-signed Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr., while adding former Orlando Magic guards Cole Anthony and Gary Harris. With Ryan Rollins also expected to compete for minutes, the Bucks already have a crowded backcourt rotation.

Westbrook, however, brings more than just numbers. He offers leadership built on experience, always aiming to elevate the players around him. Last season, he mentored Christian Braun and even gave up his jersey number to the young guard. The former MVP still produced efficiently, averaging 13.3 points and 6.6 assists off the bench for Denver. His playmaking and energy could help the Bucks find better rhythm and cohesion.

Perkins’ co-host Richard Jefferson believes Westbrook is taking his time before committing to a new team, drawing a parallel to another NBA great. “You look at Carmelo (Anthony), when Carmelo was out for a short time and then he came back, and there was a different energy,” said Jefferson.

“He found himself out of the league, and then he came back up in Portland.”

Jefferson agreed that Westbrook deserves a spot in the league but suggested that the hesitation might stem from uncertainty about his role and how he fits into a team’s rotation.

Westbrook’s opportunities seem to be shrinking as the new season approaches, but as Jefferson pointed out, he might just be waiting for the right situation to open up, even if it means joining a team midway through the season.