Imagine this.
Russell Westbrook’s situation with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to nosedive, leading Rob Pelinka and the front office to take drastic action — by buying out the final year of his contract. Suddenly, Westbrook is a free agent, itching to prove his worth on a new roster.
His phone rings, and on the other end is Brad Stevens, who wants to set up a meeting to discuss potentially joining the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal. During the meeting, Stevens does his best to convince Westbrook that the best way to repair his ailing career is to come off the bench, pointing to the longevity a similar move had provided to fellow Laker-turned-free-agent Carmelo Anthony.