Russell Westbrook, once an NBA Most Valuable Player and a historic triple-double achiever, remains unsigned as free agency unfolds in 2025. Despite contributing 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 turnovers last season with the Denver Nuggets, his Russell Westbrook free agency status has become a notable point of discussion as younger players secure contracts while he remains without a team.
Obstacles Preventing Teams from Signing Westbrook
Teams have shown hesitation in committing to Westbrook this offseason. Early interest surfaced from franchises like the New York Knicks, who considered him as a potential boost to their backcourt. However, they eventually shifted focus, signing veteran guard Jordan Clarkson instead. This decision illustrates how numerous franchises are assessing Westbrook’s fit carefully, balancing his unique skill set against recent performance and the evolving demands of the league.
NBA insider Jake Weinbach highlights the limited opportunities Westbrook faces, though he indicates that the Detroit Pistons could still be a surprise contender to add him. Weinbach notes,
“
Russell Westbrook’s free agency options have become limited, but I would not rule out the Pistons as a potential dark horse suitor.
Despite minimal chatter surrounding the idea, Detroit should be targeting a veteran point guard on the market to strengthen its backcourt depth.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 14, 2025”
Westbrook’s declining market value can be linked to his shooting deficiencies, which have become more glaring in an era dominated by outside shooting. With a career three-point shooting percentage of just 30.5%, his inability to consistently score from deep is seen as a major drawback. Teams prioritize floor spacing to optimize offensive efficiency, and Westbrook’s shooting struggles hinder that spacing, allowing defenses to more easily neutralize his impact.
In addition to shooting woes, age has started to affect Westbrook’s once electrifying athleticism. The explosive speed and frequent highlight dunks that were signatures of his prime have diminished. Now, while flashes of his former power remain, he no longer consistently overpowers defenders or finishes through contact as reliably as before.
Potential Roles Westbrook Could Fulfill in the Modern NBA
Given the current NBA landscape, Westbrook is best suited to a bench role as a backup point guard. His strong playmaking skills and court awareness remain valuable for orchestrating offense and facilitating teammates when leading a second unit. However, his lower scoring efficiency, propensity for turnovers, and fading athleticism limit his potential impact as a starter or primary scorer.
The modern NBA demands spacing, shooting proficiency, and versatility that do not align well with Westbrook’s traditional skill set. Although his competitiveness and intensity are as high as ever, integrating his strengths within a team’s system while compensating for his weaknesses poses a significant challenge. Securing a roster spot will depend on a team’s willingness to embrace these trade-offs before the next season begins.