Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The NBA free agency market still has many recognizable names. From Bradley Beal and Jonathan Kuminga to Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan, we are likely to see more signings over the next few weeks.
Longtime NBA veteran Russell Westbrook is also on the board this summer, although there is significant doubt about when or if he will get a new contract. In a recent chat with CNN, the former MVP himself admitted that the whole process has been grueling, but he’s not stressing over things he can’t control.
“I don’t think about it, honestly,” said Westbrook on his free agency. “I love playing basketball, and if it happens, it works. That’s my plan.”
Westbrook, 37, played for the Kings last season, where he averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 42.7% shooting from the field. He started in 64 games for the team, serving as their primary playmaker and a vocal leader on the court. But with the franchise going younger and favoring a long-term vision, they had no place for Westbrook, leaving the veteran point guard to try his luck elsewhere on the market.
On paper, Russ makes an ideal low-cost addition to the backcourt, but he doesn’t have a track record of success. Since leaving the Thunder in 2019, Westbrook has played for six different teams, rarely lasting for more than a season. His stats, minutes, and role have gradually reduced over the years due to an outdated playstyle, and he has often clashed with teammates and coaches in the locker room.
Even so, Westbrook isn’t calling it quits quite yet. After 18 years in the league, he has no plans to retire anytime soon and firmly believes he can help a win-now team reach its highest potential. While his game may be flawed and fading, he can still run the floor as an elite playmaker and mentor teammates based on his years of experience. The question is, which teams might consider giving him a chance?
The Kings are still in the running, but Russ is just one of multiple names on their radar. As it stands, there are probably better fits for their current roster than Westbrook. The Miami Heat are another team that makes sense, as they are looking for low-cost additions to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Russ could thrive under ‘Heat Culture,’ but reports indicate Miami may have been scared off from pursuing the nine-time All-Star.
Out of all the potential destinations, the Houston Rockets might be the best landing spot for Westbrook. The NBA veteran has played there previously, but there’s a new regime now with Ime Udoka, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson. Best of all, Russ could reunite with his former teammate Kevin Durant to make a perfect storybook ending.
Ultimately, with so many variables at play, it’s impossible to be sure where Russ will end up, or if he will even be signed when the season starts. But for someone with such a prestigious resume, this is not the kind of ending anyone imagined. Through it all, he has managed to preserve his dignity with patience, but there’s no denying that he wants to get back on the court.