Russell Westbrook was an NBA MVP just eight years ago. One of the biggest stars of the 2010s, Westbrook’s decline in recent seasons has been painful to watch. It seemed like he’d finally figured out his role in the twilight of his career last season with the Denver Nuggets. But he finds himself needing to figure it out all over again before the 2025-26 campaign.
Westbrook is a free agent with less than two weeks to go before the new season begins. Despite some links to the Sacramento Kings, there hasn’t been much noise about Brodie getting a contract so far. Many thought a Rockets return might be a possibility, but even that hasn’t come through. Despite the situation, it seems to be an NBA deal or nothing for Russ.
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Russell Westbrook currently has zero interest in playing overseas, as his main focus is to play in the NBA, per @TheSteinLine
“There has been ‘zero discussion’ to date about him weighing interest to play abroad this season, league sources say. He'd naturally generate a slew of… pic.twitter.com/nXs2GuYGFb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 13, 2025
“There has been ‘zero discussion’ to date about him weighing interest to play abroad this season, league sources say,” NBA insider Marc Stein reported. “He’d naturally generate a slew of overseas offers if he were open to them, but I’m told that securing his next NBA opportunity has been the focus for Westbrook’s camp.
“Even if that means, as it increasingly appears, options fail to materialize until after the 2025-26 regular season starts on Oct. 21.”
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook runs down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game for the Nuggets last season. His shooting from range was also noticeably better, and he seemed to accept his bench role. Despite this, reports came out suggesting that Denver would have put him in an end-of-the-bench role in the coming season.
Russ clearly feels like he has what it takes to still perform at the highest level. Hopefully, some team decides to give him a chance soon; it’s too early for there to be an NBA without the electric presence of Westbrook.
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