Russell Westbrook, the nine-time NBA All-Star and former league MVP, has chosen to decline his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets and will become a free agent on June 30, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania. This decision follows Denver’s recent playoff exit and tense locker room dynamics.
In his 17th NBA season, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists while coming off the bench for the Nuggets. Despite his contributions, Denver was eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending their playoff run prematurely.
Strained Team Relations and Playoff Performance Influenced Departure
Westbrook’s time with the Nuggets appears to be over amid negative sentiments shared by teammates after a playoff loss. An anonymous teammate described Westbrook as “so immature” following Denver’s Game Two defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers in the First Round. This comment came shortly after Westbrook engaged in a reportedly heated discussion with fellow Nugget Aaron Gordon, who confronted Westbrook about his attitude in the locker room, multiple sources told ESPN.
Fan dissatisfaction with Westbrook’s playoff performance was also evident, as he shot just 39% from the field, converting 52 of 133 attempts. With this chapter closing, Westbrook is set to join a new franchise for his 18th NBA season, marking the seventh team he has played for in his career.
Career Overview: From Top Draft Pick to NBA Veteran
A native of Long Beach, California, Westbrook was selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. Over 17 seasons, he built a Hall of Fame-worthy résumé, including nine All-Star selections and the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He also earned spots on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and led the league in scoring in 2015 and 2017, as well as assists in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Westbrook has been named to an All-NBA team nine times throughout his career.
Westbrook spent the first 11 years of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, initially part of a dynamic trio that included Kevin Durant and James Harden. After Harden’s trade to Houston in 2012 and Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016, Westbrook became the team’s lone star for several seasons.
Frequent Moves Mark the Latter Part of Westbrook’s Career
In July 2019, Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in a major deal involving Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star. Since then, he has played for five different teams: the Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets. Despite his individual success and status as the all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook has yet to capture an NBA Championship.
As the NBA offseason begins, Westbrook is likely to seek out a new team that can offer him a better chance to compete for a title in his 18th season, continuing his pursuit of a championship ring.
“Breaking: Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.4M player option for next season and will become a free agent on June 30, a source told @ShamsCharania.” — ESPN