Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is still looking for a place to play this upcoming season after opting out of his $3.47 million player option with the Nuggets. Someone with his resume would typically have no problem finding a new team, but reality has set in hard for Russ as age and time have drastically reduced his value.
As it stands, Westbrook’s future remains uncertain, and there are doubts he’ll ever find another NBA team to play for. However, in the latest update out of Houston, the Rockets have been identified as a potential landing spot for the nine-time All-Star. If he’s willing to take the veteran minimum, they could look to have him join their star-studded roster.
“Considering Westbrook’s willingness to accept a vet minimum and leadership aspect, the Rockets can pitch themselves to him as a serious destination to potentially win his 1st NBA championship,” reported Eric Santos of Sports Illustrated.
The Houston Rockets were embarrassed in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year, losing to a short-handed Lakers team in just six games. With Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun expected to return, the Rockets won’t be much different in 2026-27, but they have already taken some steps to improve.
Arguably, their biggest addition was Marcus Smart, who came from the Lakers after averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 39.5% shooting from the field and 33.1% shooting from three last season. He’ll provide a major boost in the backcourt, especially on defense, but the Rockets could still use more depth at the position.
As Fred VanVleet continues his recovery, Houston will work on how to integrate him into the lineup, but it would be ideal to have another option to maintain flexibility and provide the Rockets with a safety net if VanVleet struggles to find a rhythm. For his part, Russell Westbrook would not be a perfect addition, but he could step in and play valuable minutes off the bench, setting up teammates and running the floor as an elite playmaker. Plus, with his years of experience, he could help mentor some of the younger players while holding everyone accountable.
With averages of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 42.7% shooting last season, Russ’ best days on the court are clearly behind him now, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to offer. In the right situation, he could really help a team and even elevate their ceiling.
Of course, the best part about a Rockets tenure would be reuniting with Kevin Durant. Russ and Durant played together for years in Oklahoma City before splitting up, and they fell just short of a title. Being teammates again after all this time would certainly be an interesting twist in the story, and it’d be a chance for the two to make things right again after such a messy divorce.
For now, the scenario remains a long-shot possibility, but it’s the one most fans are rooting for. As a future NBA Hall of Famer, Russell Westbrook deserves a proper ending, and the Rockets can give him that as a place to compete alongside his former teammate.
