Russell Westbrook is one of the best point guards in NBA history, although his career might already be over.
After a successful season mostly coming off the bench for the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook finally seemed to have found his footing in a smaller role. On the court, he had chemistry with Nikola Jokic and made heads-up plays in the postseason. However, he opted out of his $3.4 million player option, hitting free agency.
Westbrook is at fault for his current free agency. He has been linked to the Houston Rockets, although at this point it seems more likely that he will start the season unemployed. One former player thinks his summer was particularly head-scratching.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets walks down the floor during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook Is ‘Out of Pocket’
The only reasonable assumption is that Westbrook was promised a contract by a team this summer, so he opted out of his deal with the Nuggets.
At that point, whoever offered him a spot welched on the deal, and he is yet to sign anywhere else. Westbrook did not want to stay in Denver, fearing a reduced role, but he could have easily been traded had he remained under contract.
“What I heard is that they were not planning on playing him at all this year, even behind certain guys that he should be above,” revealed Danny Green on his Inside the Green Room Podcast.
“I feel like Russ is more out of pocket for opting out of his contract when not having one in place already. You still take the guarantee, make him trade you, make him get you, whatever. You take the guaranteed money unless you know for sure that you have somebody in place.”
Westbrook averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists for Denver last season, and clearly still has value as a backup point guard. However, a nine-time All-Star might not be eager to take a back seat.
Russell Westbrook’s Options Are Dwindling
Fans want to see Westbrook return to either the Rockets or the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had by far the best seasons of his career.
This summer, certain players signed fairly lucrative deals to return to their old teams, although neither the Rockets nor Thunder are in a spot to hand out money or minutes for old times’ sake.
“Everybody wants Damian Lillard love, but not everybody’s going to get it,” Green said. “You know what I’m saying? When they go back to your old place, at least you get a minimum. S—, Damian’s getting 14 [million].”
Lillard, like Westbrook, found limited team success on the Portland Trail Blazers. Like Westbrook, he left his first team on good terms, although the Thunder don’t have room in their rotation for an aging, ball-dominant guard.
Westbrook, also, might not be able to “accept” playing a backup role and serving as a de facto coach.
“You got to be able to accept the role of just being on the bench and grooming these guys,” Green finished. “And I think if Russ is okay with that, he could definitely be on one of those teams. But most guys that are in that field, that have that ego and that are superstars, are not able to take a backseat toward the end of their career and say, I’m willing to not play at all and just help these young guys grow.”
The Los Angeles Clippers added Chris Paul this offseason. Paul is well past his prime but has demonstrated value as a mentor on multiple teams. Westbrook, on the other hand, doesn’t have that track record.
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