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Denver Nuggets
Aug 20, 2025 9:24 PM EDT
Nine-time All-NBA guard Russell Westbrook has spent 17 years in the league. After two seasons at UCLA, Westbrook was drafted No. 4 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder (then Seattle Supersonics) in 2008. This began what would become a Hall of Fame career.
A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Westbrook is one of the most individually accomplished players in league history. In addition to his nine All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, two All-Star Game MVP awards and 2017 league MVP award, Westbrook is the all-time leader in triple-doubles.
Spending last season with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook declined his $3.4 million player option — testing a free agency market where he remains unsigned.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) — Source: © Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
At age 36, Westbrook put together a strong 17th NBA season. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 75 appearances (36 starts). This production earned him a seventh-place finish in Sixth Man of the Year voting, and led some to believe he could have a robust market in free agency.
However, that has not been the case. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported some news on Wednesday, revealing that Westbrook’s only suitor is the Sacramento Kings — and he may not be in the NBA at all next season.
“We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring in Russell Westbrook,” Fischer said. “And that’s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook. And that is still the home I have heard earlier this week for Russell Westbrook — if he’s gonna be in the NBA at all, honestly.”
Russell Westbrook Could Be Nearing Retirement
This update from Fischer leaves retirement as a real possibility for Westbrook. Earlier this summer he announced on Instagram his plans to play an 18th NBA season. But the logistics of this Kings situation, combined with his limited market elsewhere, may take that decision out of Westbrook’s hands.
In June it was reported by Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento that the Kings were looking to move one of Devin Carter or Malik Monk before signing Westbrook. Both players remain in Sacramento as September nears, leaving no room for Westbrook in a crowded backcourt.
This is where retirement may seriously be on the table for the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. At a minimum, it’s a decision he faces with his options limited — and maybe even nonexistent.
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Athlon NBA Staff