NBA free agent Russell Westbrook is looking for a new team. Spending last season with the Denver Nuggets, the nine-time All-Star averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 75 games (36 starts).
Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, which made him a free agent. While a return to Denver seemed to initially be on the table, the Nuggets have since agreed to deals with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to round out their bench backcourt, leaving little room for Westbrook.
Now 36 years old, Westbrook is nearly a decade removed from his 2017 MVP season, but remains a high-impact player. In his 36 starts last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Early in free agency, there were reports that the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings had interest in Westbrook. The Knicks buzz wore off quickly, but Sacramento continued being floated as a realistic destination.
A native of Los Angeles, Westbrook has played for both the Lakers and Clippers in his 17-year NBA career. Joining Sacramento would move him back to California and closer to home.
That possibility was seemingly removed on Tuesday, as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the Kings' inability to find a landing spot for Malik Monk has decreased the likelihood of Westbrook joining Sacramento (h/t NBCS Bay Area).
With New York and Sacramento seemingly crossed off the list, fans are beginning to brace for Westbrook's potential retirement from the NBA.
"It’s time to retire unfortunately," said one.
"It's a disappointing end to Westbrook's career," one added.
"he’s bout to be out to the Taiwan league soon," said another.
"Dawg we ain't gon be on a team at this rate," one wrote.
It is important to note that Westbrook himself indicated in an Instagram post he intends to play an 18th NBA season. That said, there was another report on Thursday that has even more fans fearing retirement.
Speaking on a Bleacher Report stream, NBA insider Jake Fischer said Sacramento and New York were the only known teams showing interest in Westbrook. If they are both now off the table, fans do not know where the nine-time All-Star could end up.
"Damn Westbrook going out like Dwight Howard,John Wall & Demarcus Cousins," said one.
"Is Russ just done in the league?" one asked.
"Nobody talks about it but it’s almost time for Westbrook to retire fr," said another.
"Russ really out the league now isn’t he?" one asked