Russell Westbrook is running out of options. According to a report from Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, the former MVP remains unsigned after declining his $4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets earlier this summer. Though he’s been linked to several teams, no deal has materialized. Now, with training camp just around the corner, there’s a growing chance he enters the season without a team.
“Several teams have been mentioned as potential fits, of course. The list includes the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks,” wrote Amico. “That said, sources told Hoops Wire they would not be surprised if Westbrook enters the season unsigned. If he does get signed, it would likely be to a minimum contract, and it may or may not be a deal with any of the teams mentioned above.”
Westbrook, 36, is a future Hall of Famer with 17 years of NBA experience. With a resume that includes an MVP, two scoring titles, and nine All-Star appearances, Russ was once one of the league’s top point guards, but age, injuries, and the evolution of the game have drastically decreased his value.
Last season, in 75 games for the Nuggets, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on 44.9% shooting. But after declining his player option for the 2025-26 campaign, Westbrook became a free agent this summer, where he remains unsigned nearly three weeks into August.
While he no doubt believes he can contribute at an elite level, Westbrook’s flaws on defense and the perimeter make him a liability in certain situations, and he doesn’t do enough anymore to justify giving him major minutes. That’s not to mention his reputation for immaturity.
Still, not all hope is lost for Russ. If he’s flexible about his next stop, he could still find a role that lets him chase a ring and end his career on his own terms. With a team like the Bucks or Knicks, he’d have a real chance to add a championship to his resume playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jalen Brunson.
If he’s open to more of a mentorship/leadership role, Westbrook could prove useful for a team like the Kings or Heat, who have young players and role players who are eager to learn from NBA legends. Sacramento, specifically, has strongly considered adding him to its growing arsenal of talent.
If there’s one team that should sign Russ, however, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder. While they don’t need his services by any stretch, it could be an amazing ending to his story and a great way for the organization to treat the fans by celebrating Westbrook’s career in an emotional reunion.
So far, GMs haven’t been willing to close the deal, but that could change as training camp gets closer or when the season starts and the inevitable injury bug begins to take its toll. For now, all he can do is wait.
Russell Westbrook is no longer the MVP-caliber force he once was, but he’s still a competitor, a worker, and a presence in any locker room. Whether or not he finds a home before opening night, the door isn’t closed just yet.
