Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook runs down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Mavs shouldn't sign Russell Westbrook in free agency

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 2:53 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are in need of a point guard for the upcoming season, and Russell Westbrook could be an option for them.

Westbrook recently opted out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets, making him a free agent this summer.

While Westbrook brings a lot of experience to the table, he isn't a great fit for the Mavs with the team taking Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Westbrook doesn't fit Mavs plans

"Everything the Mavs do next season has to be about building up Flagg to be their franchise player, assuming he is their pick," Bleacher Report contributor Adam Wells wrote.

"Westbrook's ball-dominant style of play doesn't necessarily lend itself to player development. He did adjust that style a bit this season, but the Mavs don't have anyone taking up as much attention from opposing defenses as the Nuggets do with Jokić.

"If Irving remains on track to return in January, adding Westbrook as a short-term starting point guard before shifting him to the bench wouldn't be a bad use of resources for the Mavericks assuming they could sign him for the minimum."

Westbrook, 36, averaged 13.3 points per game for the Nuggets in his lone season in Denver.

The future Hall-of-Famer certainly still has some gas left in the tank, but the Mavs are going in a different direction with Flagg as the new focal point in the offense.

The Mavs should look for other veteran point guards that don't need to score as much to make an impact like Westbrook does on the court.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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