Nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook has been among the more notable names in the free agent market this offseason. Two weeks away from the start of the 2025-26 regular season, Westbrook remains unsigned. While this is concerning, a recent rumor revealed by Sactown Sports 1140 AM’s Carmichael Dave indicated that the veteran guard received an interesting offer to play overseas.
While speaking on “The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross“, joined by The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the host reported, “I heard something from someone I trust enough not to blow off what they said: he may have an offer in China for about half a season, and it’s damn near quadruple what the Kings could offer him.”
While this aligns with earlier reports regarding interest from the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Dave’s comment was primarily posed as a question to Amick to verify the credibility of this report and whether such an opportunity would be in Russell Westbrook’s best interests.
Amick responded, “That China intel is news to me. That’s certainly a path that prominent players have taken before. Stephon Marbury, DeMarcus Cousins, all the way down the line.”
While Amick’s response suggests that such a move could be worthwhile for a player like Westbrook, it would be crucial to factor in the CBA’s (Chinese Basketball Association) timeline and how it could impact his decision. Should the timelines clash, the nine-time All-Star would lose out on an opportunity to play in the NBA. Regardless of how good the pay could be, it could effectively signal the end of Westbrook’s NBA career.
As Dave noted, the Sacramento Kings were viewed as a suitor for Russell Westbrook earlier in the offseason, even emerging as the most likely landing spot for the former MVP. Unfortunately, with limited roster space following their failed attempt to trade for Jonathan Kuminga, it appears that this door has also been shut.
Will Russell Westbrook Remain In The NBA This Season?
According to reports, players such as Russell Westbrook remain unsigned because teams don’t see value in signing them on a contract greater than the veteran’s minimum. When considering Westbrook’s performance from the 2024-25 season, his decision to opt out of his contract in pursuit of a better deal seems justified, although it has been criticized recently.
With the Denver Nuggets, the nine-time All-Star played a crucial role off the bench. While leading the second-unit offense, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on 44.9% shooting overall and 32.3% from three-point range.
When considering his ability to be a contributor, several teams could benefit from acquiring him. Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant even commented on potentially teaming up with Westbrook again, creating a new avenue for the veteran guard to pursue a return to the league.
Given that the 36-year-old established himself as a valuable rotation piece on a title-contending roster, it is hard to comprehend the significant lack of interest shown by teams around the league. In this regard, claims regarding perceived internal agendas mounted to keep Russell Westbrook out of the NBA seem more plausible.
