Russell Westbrook remains unsigned less than two weeks before the start of the new NBA season. But that does not necessarily mean that he is all out of opportunities.
The former NBA MVP guard Westbrook may potentially have a monster offer to play overseas this year in China, Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports 1140 reported on his podcast this week. Dave notes that Westbrook might have an offer for about half a season and for a salary that would do multiples of what he could get in the NBA right now.
“I heard something from someone I trust enough not to blow off what they said,” said Dave of Westbrook. “He may have an offer in China for about half a season, and it’s damn near quadruple what the [Sacramento] Kings could offer him.”
The Kings are the NBA team that has most consistently been linked to Westbrook this offseason. But no deal has materialized up to this point with it being unclear if Sacramento is willing to offer Westbrook any more than the veteran’s minimum (which would be worth roughly $3.6 million for him).
About to turn 37 next month, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game last season for the Denver Nuggets. But he appears to be holding out for more than the minimum salary, which might explain why Westbrook has gone over three months now without being signed.
Westbrook was previously linked to a team in Israel back in June, but he did not seem particularly interested at the time. Now over four months later as he still looks for a new contract, Westbrook might have something to think about with an offer of around $13-$14 million (according to Dave’s reporting) to play half a season in China.