Russell Westbrook Gets Unfortunate Update on NBA Future
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NBA free agency has hit a standstill as the restricted free agent market holds everything up.
Four restricted free agents — Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas, Josh Giddey and Quentin Grimes — have all been unable to reach an agreement with their current teams on either a new deal or a sign-and-trade. Thus, just about everyone else has been forced to wait.
More news: Pistons Would Land $285 Million Superstar in Blockbuster Trade Idea With Celtics
One of those players happens to be a nine-time All-Star and nine-time All NBA Teamer in future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook. After spending the 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, the 2016-17 NBA MVP is patiently waiting to find his next home.
But that opportunity may not arise any time soon.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 05: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the first half of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at...
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 05: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the first half of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. MoreNBA insider Jake Fischer recently said on a Bleacher Report live stream that Westbrook's NBA future appears to be down to one team — and that team may not even be interested in bringing in him.
"We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring Russell Westbrook in," Fischer said. "That's been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook, and that's still the home that I have heard earlier this week is the most likely outcome for Russell Westbrook, if he's gonna be in the NBA at all.
"Honestly, that's really the only home we've heard for him."
Westbrook is coming off a productive season with the Nuggets in which he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game across 75 contests. While he played well in his off-the-bench role, it's clear his game is not valued as highly as it used to be — especially at this stage of his career.
More news: Veteran All-Star Announces Sudden Retirement From NBA, Joins Media
Westbrook is someone who needs the ball in his hands to impact a game, and at this point, few teams want to give a 36-year-old point guard an expanded role. Westbrook can also have an erratic style of play at times, turning the ball over and putting up shots in short bursts.
Last year with Denver, Westbrook shot 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from deep — slightly above his career averages of 43.9 percent and 30.5 percent.
Overall, Westbrook has played 17 seasons in the league, spending time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets.
If he were to play an 18th season, it appears it would be with the Kings — unless another team suffers an injury to their backup point guard and wants to bring him in.
For more NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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