Russell Westbrook to Test Free Agency After ‍Declining Nuggets Option

‍ ⁢ ⁣Updated June ⁢13, 2025

Russell Westbrook, the veteran guard for ⁤the Denver Nuggets, will become a free agent after declining ⁤his $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. A source confirmed to ESPN that Westbrook, a former NBA MVP, will be available when free agency opens June 30.

The 36-year-old Westbrook played 75 games for Denver⁤ this season, averaging 13.3 points,6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in just under 28 minutes per ‍game. He started ⁤in 36 ⁤of those contests,marking his highest number of starts as the 2021-22 season. The free agent is now looking for a new team.

Westbrook had surgery last month to repair⁢ ligament tears in ‍his right‍ hand. While the team initially announced⁢ ligament repairs,‌ Westbrook clarified in his newsletter that he addressed “two breaks” sustained during the season. He is expected to be ready for full offseason training this summer. The Russell Westbrook situation is developing.

A two-time⁤ NBA scoring champion, Westbrook has career averages of 21.2​ points, 8.0 ​assists, and⁣ 7.0 rebounds across 1,237 games with ⁣the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, lakers,⁢ Clippers, and Nuggets. He also leads the league in career triple-doubles with 203 and ranks eighth in NBA history in assists with 9,925. he is 23rd in total points with 26,205. despite his individual accolades,Westbrook is ⁤still ​in search of his first NBA ‌championship. The Denver Nuggets will have‍ to look⁣ elsewhere.

What’s next

As Westbrook enters free agency, he will likely weigh offers from⁣ teams seeking a veteran point guard with playmaking abilities and scoring punch. His experience and leadership could be‍ valuable assets for a contender looking to bolster their roster for a championship run.