Mar 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts to a fan during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'If He’s Going To Be In the NBA at All' – Russell Westbrook’s Future in the NBA in Jeopardy, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 9:49 AM ET

As the NBA free agency progresses, there are questions about which team will sign veteran star Russell Westbrook. He remains a free agent after opting out of his $3.4 million player option after the 2024-25 season concluded. That would’ve kept him in the league with the Denver Nuggets. However, his career is now in jeopardy as there might not be a team willing to sign him.

There were rumors that certain teams wanted to sign the 2017 MVP at the beginning of free agency. However, fewer teams invested in Westbrook as it got deeper into free agency. Until only one, the Sacramento Kings, remains the only team interested in having the veteran guard on their roster.

On Wednesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer gave a disheartening update regarding the future of the nine-time All-Star.

According to Fischer, the only way for Westbrook to keep his career in the league alive is if he gets signed by the Kings. Other than that, he claims that no other teams are looking to add him.

“We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring Russell Westbrook,” Fischer said. “And that’s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook and that’s still the home that I have heard earlier this week is the most likely outcome for Russell Westbrook if he’s gonna be in the NBA at all. Honestly, that’s really the only home we’ve heard for him.”

Russell Westbrook has lost a lot of his athleticism over the years and still isn’t a consistent shooter from beyond the arc. However, he can still provide a lot of firepower off the bench with his intense energy.

An NBA writer links Russell Westbrook to the New York Knicks

Nov 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second half against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

While the Kings could be the only team interested in Russell Westbrook, that hasn’t stopped most experts from linking him to other teams. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report drew a link between the veteran point guard and the New York Knicks.

According to Bailey, the Knicks could be a team to watch out to land the experienced star.

“The New York Knicks addressed a lack of depth in the backcourt by adding the recently bought out Jordan Clarkson, but they were reportedly interested in Russ in July, and he could still provide a boost to the team’s playmaking,” Bailey wrote.

However, adding Westbrook creates a problem for New York. Mike Brown and the rest of the coaching staff could experience a backcourt logjam given the number of guards they have.

Nov 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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