When the season ended, Russell Westbrook chose not to pick up his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets.
He was hoping to find a new team that would give him a comfortable role in the lineup and a hefty contract.
So far, that hasn’t happened, and now Westbrook’s future in the league is uncertain.
Kurt Helin laid out where things stand with Westbrook, and they definitely don’t sound good for the nine-time All-Star.
“Westbrook remains a free agent late into the summer after choosing not to pick up his $3.5 million player option with the Nuggets. So far, the market has not responded. The Sacramento Kings are the team most mentioned as having genuine interest, but unless (or until) they trade Malik Monk or Devin Carter (or waive a non-guaranteed player, which is unlikely), the Kings will not have the roster spot open. As of now, they have reigned in Monk trade talks, and he is likely to be with the team when the season opens. Where does that leave Westbrook? He has not been linked closely to another team,” per Kurt Helin.
The market has been dry for Russell Westbrook, and his future in the NBA is up in the air, per @basketballtalk
“Westbrook remains a free agent late into the summer after choosing not to pick up his $3.5 million player option with the Nuggets. So far, the market has not… pic.twitter.com/Dn1GIdIgmm
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 28, 2025
Helin is reporting what others have: the Sacramento Kings are really Westbrook’s only option.
If he doesn’t get an offer from them, he may not get one at all.
The Kings have shown interest in Westbrook, but they seemingly aren’t willing to do what it takes to sign him.
They are interested, but not that driven to sign him, and they’d be comfortable with him walking away if he doesn’t sign.
That means that the 2025-26 season might begin without Westbrook, something that hasn’t happened in nearly 20 years.
Last season, he produced 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for the Nuggets.
He looked well-adjusted in his role with the team, but it wasn’t enough for him.
So he took a big leap, but may not have a landing spot in the league.
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