Former MVP Russell Westbrook will receive an international offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv amid uncertainty about his Denver Nuggets offseason deal.
In Twilight, a career that once violated gravity and customs, Russell Westbrook is at a crossroads. The nine-time All-Star and former NBA MVP once reverberated across Thunder-like arenas before the storm, but may soon play his final professional season. But he isn’t necessarily in the league that made his legend.
Westbrook has expanded what is described as a “historic” contract offer from Euroleague’s Hapoel Tel Aviv. For a player known for his boldness and unpredictability, this offer presents more than just a decision. It raises the question of ever-evolving definitions of legacy, pride and success.
At 36, the Denver Nuggets still have a $3.5 million player option left, allowing Westbrook to remain in the NBA in a supporting role. Or he could once again take the central stage. This time, under another light thousands of miles away from the roar of the Western Conference.
Euro Cup champion Hapoel Tel Aviv is expected to be an offer to “have never seen Russell Westbrook in European basketball before” 👀
(via @zoric_nem)) pic.twitter.com/dp0f8paeeo
– Legionhoops (@legionhoops) June 4, 2025
Global spotlight, familiar fade
Once he accepts, Westbrook joins the growth list of NBA veterans who have chosen to reinvent overseas. Players include Mark Gasol, Tony Parker and former teammate Serju Ibaka. Hapoel Tel Aviv quietly built a reputation for attracting American talent, and the names embroidered on NBA jerseys are now turning their court into a stage where the final act is written on a different tongue.
It’s not in the same spotlight, but it’s still bright and burning. The Euroleague is not a footnote. It is a challenge, both physically and culturally. And for players like Westbrook, whose energy is always athletic, the appeal of the drive, which has never faded, may be more meaningful than money. An opportunity to lead again, an opportunity to be a “man” and write his story in his own words.
There are no publicly confirmed figures, but the offer is expected to rival or exceed his NBA options. If pride and purpose exceed familiarity, it is a door that Westbrook can pass through.
Denver’s present and future is unknown
During this past season in Denver, Westbrook was not an old star, but he was by no means a shadow. He embraced the role he was given and came out of the bench for the defending champions, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He was in the voice of the locker room, sparks when necessary.
However, his role was clear: supportive, secondary, temporary. And in a playoff run that ended with a heartbreak over his previous team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook’s influence felt more calm than memorable.
Nuggets face a changing future. This may not include the man once known as Mr. Triple Double. But that doesn’t mean that Westbrook’s story takes place. You may simply need a new chapter, a new Jersey, a new national anthem that will step into the court.
Decision exceeding the dollar
If he stays, it will support, play a role, mentor and mentor from the bench. If he goes, it’s to chase the glory again – different, but not so realistic.
Euro Cup champion Hapoel Tel Aviv plans to offer Russell Westbrook a salary “never seen in European basketball before.” 👀
(via @zoric_nem)) pic.twitter.com/eagcqil8kh
– Basketball forever (@bbalforever_) June 5th, 2025
For Russell Westbrook, it’s not about chasing statistics anymore. That’s about a strong finish. About finding a place where his fire is still important – not flash, but totally.
Whether the place is in Denver or Tel Aviv, the next step in his journey will be one of the most personal things he has ever made. Ultimately, Westbrook was not afraid of change. And no matter what decision he makes, one thing is certain. He’ll do it at full speed, without holding back anything, in his way.