Russell Westbrook, now an unrestricted free agent after declining his 2025-26 player option with the Denver Nuggets, is attracting interest from several NBA teams. The Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks are all viewed as possible destinations for the veteran guard as he explores his next chapter in the league. This speculation on Westbrook’s NBA landing spots comes amid discussions from NBA insiders, including Bleacher Report‘s Andy Bailey, who highlights each of these teams as potential fits for Westbrook’s skill set and experience.
Westbrook’s Recent Performance and Career Overview
Last season with Denver, Westbrook played 75 games, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. His shooting percentages were 44.9% from the field, 32.3% from three-point range, and 66.1% from the free-throw line. The Nuggets won their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games but fell just short in the second round, losing to Westbrook’s former team the Oklahoma City Thunder in a full seven-game series. Westbrook, who will turn 37 this November, remains one of the NBA’s most prolific players historically, holding the record for the most triple-doubles in league history with 203.
Westbrook’s Legacy and Previous Teams
A former NBA MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, Westbrook has had a distinguished career spanning several teams, including the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. Over 1,237 games, he has established career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, earning nine All-Star selections and nine All-NBA team honors. His longevity and consistent production make him a valuable asset despite being in the later stages of his career.
Context on Interested Teams’ Recent Seasons
The teams considered likely landing spots for Westbrook have experienced mixed results recently. The Sacramento Kings missed the playoffs last season, while the Miami Heat were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. The New York Knicks advanced to the conference finals but lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games. The Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Pacers in five games. Each team’s performance suggests varying degrees of need for Westbrook’s veteran presence and playmaking ability.
Next Steps and Expectations for Westbrook’s Future
As the offseason progresses, basketball analysts and fans eagerly await the announcement of Westbrook’s next team. Many in NBA circles consider the Sacramento Kings as the most probable destination for the former UCLA star, hoping his experience could bolster their roster. This decision will likely impact the competitive landscape of the upcoming season and offer insights into how teams value Westbrook’s dynamic play at this stage of his career.