It was Friday when Marc Stein reported that Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook was declining his 2025-26 player option . The option was for $3.4 million, but he will instead enter unrestricted free agency. In 2024-25, he posted averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. After playing his first 11 seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he could be on his sixth team in seven years come next season. While it is hard to find a perfect fit for the 36-year-old Russell Westbrook, here are five NBA teams that could be potential suitors for the future Hall of Famer.
May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) guards in the third quarter during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Note: On June 4, European basketball reporter Nemanja Zoric tweeted that Hapoel Tel Aviv has interest in Westbrook.)
5 Potential NBA Suitors For Russell Westbrook In Free Agency
Dallas Mavericks
With Kyrie Irving not expected to return from his ACL tear until January, Dallas will be without their star point guard for approximately half the season. Lead guards Dante Exum and Spencer Dinwiddie are entering free agency. The last time Westbrook played with Anthony Davis while on the Los Angeles Lakers though, it did not go quite well for the triple-double king as he was often the scapegoat for the Lakers woes.
Denver Nuggets
Even though Westbrook declined his player option, it doesn’t mean a return to Denver is off the table. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic certainly seemed to enjoy having him as a teammate, and his word undoubtedly carries weight. Westbrook was impactful most nights last season, but he struggled in the last five games in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Still, it shouldn’t complete sour what was done over the season.
Miami Heat
Davion Mitchell performed well for the Heat after they acquired him from the Toronto Raptors. He is a restricted free agent though, so he isn’t a sure thing to remain with Miami. Mitchell also isn’t quite the scorer Westbrook still is. After a wildly disappointing year from Terry Rozier in 2024-25, adding Westbrook could improve the lead guard rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks
Much like the Mavericks, the Bucks star point guard is recovering from a major injury. Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in the opening round of the playoffs. He will likely miss most, if not all, of next season. Milwaukee would be in need of scoring outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo (if not traded). Westbrook could take a bit of the scoring load off of the superstar’s shoulders.
Sacramento Kings
After the Kings traded De’Aaron Fox in February, they normally went without a traditional point guard in their starting lineup. They signed former first overall pick Markelle Fultz shortly after trading Fox, but he received minimal playing time. Even at his advanced age, Westbrook would be the team’s best playmaker whether utilized as a starter or reserve.
