Russell Westbrook remains one of the biggest names still available in NBA free agency. The former MVP guard has surprisingly received little interest despite his Hall of Fame résumé and strong performance with the Denver Nuggets last season.
While there are whispers of teams monitoring his situation, there hasn’t been much movement toward a deal. For a player with nine All-Star appearances, nine All-NBA honors, and one MVP award, the silence is startling.
During his 7 PM podcast in Brooklyn, Carmelo Anthony, a fellow NBA legend and Hall of Famer, spoke out against Westbrook’s situation, expressing his frustration. “There’s a lot of teams that Russ could help right f*cking now.”
Anthony is convinced that Westbrook is still a member of the league, but he’s certain that returning to Oklahoma City, where he was a star, would be the wrong choice.
Carmelo Anthony’s Message: Don’t Go Back to OKC
“You cannot bring Russell Westbrook back to OKC and don’t play him,” Anthony said. “He cannot go from the greatest player in your franchise history to maybe playing or maybe not playing.”
Many former players share Anthony’s concern that late-career’ farewell tours’ can sometimes tarnish a legacy instead of celebrating it.
The Oklahoma City Thunder just won their first NBA Championship behind a young and dynamic roster led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. There’s no time or room for a veteran like Westbrook because almost every key contributor is returning.
Anthony is concerned that Westbrook’s return to OKC now could mean Anthony spending most nights watching from the bench rather than contributing on the floor.
“It doesn’t work. You diminish that man’s legacy by that,” Anthony emphasized. “Let’s protect the legacy of these players. This is someone that put in pain, pressure, number one jersey sales, MVP of the league.”
Chasing the Right Opportunity, Not Just a Ring
Anthony also made it clear that Westbrook shouldn’t feel pressured to join any team simply to chase a championship ring.
“It’s a difference with chasing the ring, and I still got to enjoy this game,” he said. “You can’t send the greatest player back â he left to come back, and then he’s not playing? No. As a player, I know I can still play? Hell no.”
Westbrook’s drive and competitiveness have always been his trademarks. At this stage of his career, he’s looking for a role where he can both compete and contribute meaningfully.
Last season with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook proved he still has plenty left in the tank. Across 75 games, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, while providing veteran leadership and energy off the bench. In the postseason, he added 11.7 points per game as the Nuggets made another deep run.
For teams seeking a reliable backup guard or a veteran spark plug, those numbers should be enticing. The question is whether a contender will offer him a chance before the season tips off.
Westbrook’s Legacy in Oklahoma City Remains Untouchable
Even without a return to the Thunder, Westbrook’s place in Oklahoma City lore is secure. From his triple-double seasons to his relentless playing style, he gave the franchise its identity after Kevin Durant’s departure.
He is the Thunder’s all-time leader in points, assists, and rebounds â and his fiery passion became the heartbeat of the city. One day, Westbrook will likely retire as a member of the Thunder, but Carmelo Anthony believes that day shouldn’t come while he’s still capable of playing high-level basketball.
Isaiah Thomas on Prime Westbrook: “He Was the Hardest to Guard”
While discussions about Westbrook’s future continue, many around the league still speak with awe about his prime years. Former NBA guard Isaiah Thomas recently praised Westbrook’s dominance on the Got Sole podcast.
“The hardest to guard was OKC Russell Westbrook,” Thomas said. “It looks hard to guard Steph, but when Russell Westbrook was with OKC and he was faster, stronger, jumped higher than everybody, getting triple-doubles⦠that was the most difficult player I’ve ever had to guard.”
Isaiah Thomas says prime Russell Westbrook was a tougher cover than Steph and Kyrie ð
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Thomas compared him to some of the league’s best offensive players, including Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving, noting that Westbrook’s size and strength made him a different kind of challenge. “Curry, we had our battles, Kyrie, we had our battles. But Westbrook is a little bigger and stronger than those guys.”
The Next Chapter Awaits
Russell Westbrook will always have something to give, regardless of where he goes next. The passion Westbrook has for the game is unmatched, ranging from his experience as a veteran leader, a second-unit catalyst, or a steadying presence in the locker room.
Carmelo Anthony has a clear message: Westbrook deserves to end his career competing, not reminiscing, even if a storybook reunion with Oklahoma City tugs at the hearts of Thunder fans.  The former MVP is currently waiting – not for nostalgia, but for an opportunity to demonstrate his skill in playing the game his way.
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