In the 2024 NBA offseason, the Denver Nuggets signed veteran point guard Russell Westbrook to a two-year contract worth $6.8 million, including a second-year player option. This move surprised many, as Westbrook was widely seen as past his prime after uneven performances with the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite doubts, Westbrook managed to revive his career in Denver. During the 2024-25 season, he contributed reliable production, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 44.9% from the field and achieved a three-point accuracy of 32.3%, marking his best perimeter shooting since his MVP campaign in 2017.
Why Is Westbrook Struggling to Find a New Team?
Though Westbrook demonstrated he can still be effective, his role has shifted from a dominant scorer to a supporting “glue guy” on the court. Despite this positive adjustment, the 36-year-old’s decision to decline his player option with Denver has left him in free agency heading into the new NBA season.
The reasons behind this move remain unclear—whether it was a mutual decision or driven solely by Westbrook—but as September approaches, he remains unsigned. NBA insider Jake Fischer recently indicated that the Sacramento Kings appear to be the only team showing interest in Westbrook, though even that possibility remains uncertain.
“We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring in Russell Westbrook,” Fischer stated. “And that’s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook. And that is still the home I have heard earlier this week for Russell Westbrook — if he’s gonna be in the NBA at all, honestly.”
—Jake Fischer, NBA insider
Misconceptions About Westbrook’s Impact Persist Among Teams
Many NBA executives continue to view Westbrook as an inefficient ball-dominant player who prioritizes personal stats over team success. However, this reputation clashes with his actual approach on the court. Westbrook is known among teammates as one of the most team-oriented stars, consistently displaying high effort in defense, rebounding, and hustle plays.
At 36, Westbrook’s intensity and willingness to dive for loose balls remain intact, qualities that any contesting NBA roster should value. It is surprising that a former MVP capable of contributing meaningfully on both ends remains without a contract, highlighting a disconnect between perception and reality within league circles.
The Future Outlook for Westbrook’s NBA Career
Russell Westbrook’s current free agency status underscores the complex challenges veteran players face when trying to adapt their roles late in their careers. Despite proving his capability with Denver, the hesitation around signing him could affect his chances of extending his NBA tenure.
How the Sacramento Kings proceed with their roster moves in the coming weeks may ultimately determine Westbrook’s fate in the league. Should he remain unsigned, it could signal a deeper shift in how teams value experienced players who transition from star scorers to role contributors.