Russell Westbrook, the 17-year veteran in the NBA, has likely decided to move on from his time with the Nuggets, as sources confirm that Westbrook will not be exercising his player option and testing free agency in the summer. Westbrook may re-sign with the Nuggets on a better deal, but it is anticipated that he may be looking to go elsewhere.
Westbrook played only one season with the Nuggets as he joined them in 2024. This news comes days after a reported heated discussion between Nuggets teammates Aaron Gordon and Westbrook. While Gordon publicly claimed that the report was untrue, Westbrook’s decision seems to make it clear that he no longer wants anything to do with that locker room.
In his only season with the Nuggets, he played 75 games where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The six-time All-Star has moved around the league to multiple teams ever since he left the Thunder.
Which Teams Are The Best Fit For Russell Westbrook?
As the next question in Westbrook’s future is where he goes next, let’s take a look at four potential teams that could make a move for Westbrook.
1. Miami Heat: With Jimmy Butler’s exit to the Warriors, the Heat are ushering in a new era led by the likes of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They could use his veteran experience to bolster their bench.
2. Sacramento Kings: As the Kings lost Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox in trades with the Pacers and the Spurs, they are now facing a major hole in their point guard position’s roster depth. While Westbrook may not be an explosive scorer anymore like he was in his prime days, his passing vision should be enough to elevate the Kings’ game from the point guard position. Despite playing less than 30 minutes a night, he averaged 6.1 assists on a team that already had Nikola Jokic as their primary playmaker. Therefore, his court vision could help the Kings.
3. Utah Jazz: With the Jazz reportedly looking to trade Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, they are set to anticipate a lack of depth in their point guard position. As they pivot towards young guards like Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, Westbrook could be the perfect veteran to come off the bench and provide the necessary input to teach younger players.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: While the Thunder do not need another addition to this young roster that is already a championship contender, the Thunder will be a storybook ending to Westbrook’s career. Retiring with the team that drafted him would be the perfect full-circle moment for Westbrook. Even during the Nuggets’ series with the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander jokingly invited him to come back ‘home’ to the Thunder. And while he doesn’t exactly fit that franchise’s timeline, he will always be ‘Mr. Oklahoma,’ and that city will always welcome him back with open arms.
