Among the many available free agents this offseason, nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook remains unsigned, with very limited interest from teams around the league. While the current outlook would suggest that Westbrook would find himself on a roster by the start of the regular season, Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico suggested otherwise.
In a recent report, Amico mentioned that although a handful of teams kept tabs on Westbrook’s situation, there hadn’t been any takers. This raises the possibility that he may enter the 2025-26 season unsigned.
According to previous reports, the market for Westbrook was held up by Ben Simmons’ decision to sign with a team in free agency. While teams such as the Kings also showed an interest in signing him, their ongoing trade negotiations prevented them from presenting the guard with an offer.
The lack of demand for Westbrook is jarring, especially considering his performance last season. With an average of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with the Denver Nuggets, the 36-year-old showed that he remained a valuable contributor.
When considering the teams in need of a veteran guard off the bench, we explore three potential landing spots for Russell Westbrook before the start of the 2025-26 season.
Sacramento Kings
At this stage, the Kings remain the most likely landing spot for Westbrook. Given their inclination and the initiative shown by the franchise, they may remain in close contact.
The Kings could use a player like Westbrook in their rotation. When considering their need for a playmaker in their starting rotation, either Westbrook or Schroder could easily address the issue.
At 36 years old, Westbrook isn’t the explosive powerhouse he used to be. But he remains quite effective. The nine-time All-Star has also shown the ability to be a contributor off the bench, especially in a limited minutes format.
His ability to push the tempo and distribute the ball remains solid. While he has certainly seen a drop-off as an offensive threat, on the Kings, he will be surrounded by capable offensive players who can make up for these limitations.
A move of this nature wouldn’t transform the Kings into a title-contender by any means. But considering the moves they are intending to make before signing Westbrook, they could be primed to become a significantly more entertaining team.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are among the several teams in need of depth in the point guard position this offseason. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Bucks saw a drastic drop-off in their backcourt depth. To address this, Westbrook did emerge as a potential target.
Although Milwaukee was engaged in trade rumors to acquire a point guard, none of these trades materialized. Instead, the Bucks signed Cole Anthony to address the vacancy in the starting point guard position.
Although Anthony could fit the role, the Bucks could still benefit from considering Westbrook to anchor their second rotation. Given his experience, he could be significantly more valuable, especially next to athletic big men such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner.
During his stint as a starter with the Nuggets, Westbrook showcased his ability to orchestrate the offense while also being a key contributor. As a slasher, his ability to drive and kick the ball out would shine in a system like Milwaukee’s, which features shooters. In many ways, this could prove to be an ideal situation for both teams.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls could prove to be an interesting landing spot for Russell Westbrook. Given the situation the Bulls are in, they are not expected to make a lot of noise next season. Currently stuck in a contract negotiation situation with Josh Giddey, the Bulls are effectively in the middle of restructuring the core.
Such a situation could be highly beneficial for Westbrook. While he wouldn’t be a starter on such a team, he could certainly be a solid contributor towards their efforts from the bench.
Coming in as Coby White‘s replacement off the bench, the nine-time All-Star would be the leader of the second unit, potentially alongside Ayo Dosunmu and Zach Collins. With the keys to the offense in his hands and a little more latitude, Westbrook may see a resurgence in performance.
Although the Bulls have some talented players on their roster, they haven’t necessarily had a key player they could rally behind. As things stand, Matas Buzelis appears to be the franchise’s rising star.Â
A mentor like Westbrook could aid Buzelis‘ development as a franchise player. Should Giddey also return after signing a new contract, the Bulls could be on the verge of forming a solid young core featuring the two young players.
Westbrook’s Time In The NBA Is Coming To An End
The current situation doesn’t present a positive outlook for Westbrook after this season. Although he may find himself on a roster by the time the new season kicks off, it seems unlikely that he will receive a multi-year deal.
The upcoming season still presents an opportunity for the 36-year-old to put up a series of impressive performances to carve out a place for himself in the league. Joining the right team with a system that makes use of his skills will be essential for this.
Unfortunately, if he is to become a free agent next season, there is no guarantee he will see much interest from teams around the league. In many ways, this could further signal the decline of Westbrook as an NBA player.
