Recent rumors linking Russell Westbrook with a move to Hapoel Tel Aviv appear to be wide of the mark, with multiple NBA insiders indicating that the former MVP has no plans to leave the league.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, a source close to the situation strongly dismissed suggestions that Westbrook has been discussing a move to the EuroLeague.
"One source close to the process told The Stein Line that a recent report suggesting that Russell Westbrook was in talks to sign abroad with Hapoel Tel Aviv was 'laughably false,'" Stein reported.
Another prominent NBA insider Brett Siegel also pushed back against the reports.
"Amid rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook potentially discussing a deal with Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv, I do not believe that to be true," Siegel reported. "I've asked multiple people with different teams around the NBA if they've heard such and nobody has heard about this."
Westbrook focused on staying in NBA
According to Stein, Westbrook has not considered leaving the NBA after 18 seasons in the league.
The 37-year-old is coming off a productive campaign with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 64 appearances. He started 58 games while playing 28.9 minutes per contest.
Westbrook, who won the NBA MVP award in 2017, remains an unrestricted free agent as he weighs his options for a 19th NBA season.
Kings remain possible destination
Russell Westbrook
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
A return to Sacramento remains one possibility for Westbrook.
The Stein Line previously reported on August 3 that the Kings had sounded out Westbrook about potentially returning for a second season while also showing interest in veteran guard Victor Oladipo.
Sacramento is searching for an experienced presence alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr., whom the Kings selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
However, Stein noted that it remains unclear whether Westbrook would be interested in returning if his role under head coach Doug Christie is reduced compared to last season.
Westbrook did not sign with Sacramento until mid-October last year, meaning his free agency could once again extend deep into the offseason.
For now, though, the latest intel indicates that a move to Hapoel Tel Aviv is not under consideration and that Westbrook remains focused on continuing his career in the NBA.