Why has a former MVP and arguably a player who somehow changed the game not getting any offers right now? Well, that seems to be the case with Russell Westbrook. Despite coming off one of his better and more productive seasons in the past four years, Westbrook is still available in the market—with almost no teams trying their luck to take the 36-year-old veteran.
Westbrook Hitting Free Agency Might Have Been a Bad Idea
After coming up short in the 2025 playoffs, Russ decided to enter the summer by declining the $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming 2025-2026 season. It may be a mutual decision, or maybe Westbrook’s own accord, but still, it was odd considering how well he played for the Nuggets last season. In his 2024-2025 campaign, the 2017 MVP averaged a pretty decent 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while also shooting 32.3% from three (his best since his MVP season). Although he wasn’t shooting efficiently, Westbrook was providing a few intangibles only a handful of guys can give—the spark and energy off the bench.
At his age, Russ isn’t even considered as a third of fourth option. However, in the playoffs, his scoring, rebounding, leadership, and hustle gave the Nuggets hopes to compete in the Western Conference. All in all, it was a great postseason run for the Thunder legend, and many thought he would return for another season to play alongside Nikola Jokic. However, in an unexpected event, Russ declined the player option.
Since then, he hasn’t been offered a new contract by the Nuggets’ front office or even sniffed a few offers here and there. Instead, his chances of finding a new home for year 18 are getting bleaker as the day goes by. But, how? How does a guy who just won MVP eight years ago, who was also a perennial superstar, just couldn’t get any offers? Is it because he is such a passionate player who gives, which sometimes can be his greatest strength or worst weakness? He can still contribute in scoring and he is known for being a great glue guy at times, albeit not all the time.
The Kings Showing Interest, But Still Questionable
The Sacramento Kings have shown some slight interest in signing Russell Westbrook before the 2025-2026 season starts. However, they’re still actively shopping Malik Monk to open a roster spot for the former MVP. Unfortunately, they too have a difficult time finding a new home for Monk, who averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last season. Without an open spot, the Kings would have to hold on to that though, and so does Westbrook.
Regardless, it’s still absurd and ridiculous why Russ is still a free agent. He may be washed, but at least he could still offer being an excellent veteran presence. Could this be Westbrook’s sign to finally just hang his jersey in the rafters after 17 years in the NBA?
