The Denver Nuggets needed someone who could help them win games in the regular season and play good minutes off the bench. They signed Russell Westbrook to do that.
Westbrook joined the Nuggets after playing the last couple of seasons with the Clippers. He thought this was his best chance to win a title.
It was an uneven year for Westbrook, especially in the playoffs. He was either great or terrible, with very little in between.
Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after dunking the ball against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs. Westbrook will now hit free agency.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Russell Westbrook will hit free agency after one year with the Denver Nuggets
After one year with the Nuggets, Westbrook has reportedly decided to hit free agency and play for another team. He will seek a contract from another NBA team.
According to Mark Stein, Westbrook is expected to decline his player option and enter free agency.
Stein: Russell Westbrook to decline player option; will enter free agency.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 13, 2025
This will be Westbrook’s 18th season in the league. Lately, he has been a bit of an NBA journeyman, bouncing from team to team.
Read more: Bucks Preparing Last Ditch Effort to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo: Report
Westbrook had a $3.4 million player option that he could have exercised, but he decided to decline it and search for a new team instead.
Westbrook has played for six different teams in the last seven seasons, and he is about to make it seven teams in eight years. He can’t seem to find a home.
It’s unclear what teams might be interested in signing him. He is no longer the MVP talent that he once was, but he can still provide a lift off the bench.
Westbrook is still a guy who will play with as much effort as anyone on the court, and that’s how he is able to make an impact. He still outworks everyone, which is a skill on its own.
More NBA on Newsweek: Celtics Could Have Perfect Trade Partner With New Jrue Holiday Rumors
The Nuggets will have to search for a new sparkplug off the bench, but they likely aren’t too mad about this decision from Westbrook.
They are looking for someone who has a little bit more consistency in his game. They were frustrated at times when Westbrook would go off the rails a little bit.
This season with Denver, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He shot 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
Read more NBA on Newsweek: Mark Cuban Reveals How Rick Carlisle Stole Tyrese Haliburton From Mavericks
For more news and stories on the NBA, visit NBA on Newsweek.
