Following the 2023-24 season, veteran Guard Russel Westbrook has signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with Nuggets. The 36-year-old played 75 of his 82 games, starting 36 times between 2024 and 25.
NBA insider Markstein reported that Russell Westbrook plans to opt out of the $3.47 million player options between 2025-26. This will make the nine-time All-Star an unlimited free agent. Despite his lack of efficiency in offensiveness, Westbrook remains a motor player that influences winning basketball.
Where will Russell Westbrook play in 2025-26?
Russell Westbrook rejects $3.4 million player options at nugget https://t.co/ckyjviwdsc
-realgm (@Realgm) June 13, 2025
Russell Westbrook has just finished his 17th professional season and shows no signs of slowing down. He was a key piece on the Denver roster last season. At this stage of his career, Westbrook can either get out of the bench or get off the start if necessary. 75 games from 2024-25 were the most for Westbrook since 2021-22. This past season, the 2016-17 MVP averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Westbrook averaged 27.9 minutes per game during the regular season.
The veteran PG was highly praised by his Denver teammates and coaching staff. Westbrook has brought the leadership and competitiveness that Nuggets needed. At his age, Russell Westbrook is a great rebounder and has not lost his ability to make plays. His 6.1 assist per GAM was second in the team after Nikola Jokic last season. One of Westbrook’s knocks is that his fast-paced plays can often lead to uncontrollable turnovers.
However, Russell Westbrook remains an effective role player for the NBA. He reportedly rejects the $3.47 million player option for the 2024-25 nugget. The 36-year-old will become an unlimited free agent. Money is not the driving force behind Westbrook’s 18th year. He’s more concerned about joining a team that has the chance to win an NBA championship. Westbrook has a Hall of Fame NBA career but is still chasing the title. Will Westbrook join a new team for the 2025-26 season?