NBA Star Russell Westbrook Reportedly Close to Landing a Job Outside the United States

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 10:03 AM ET

For all he’s accomplished in his 16-year NBA career, Russell Westbrook’s future in the league remains uncertain. Despite a strong 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, in which he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, the veteran guard remains unsigned heading into the new campaign.

Westbrook declined his $3.47 million player option to test free agency, but no deal has materialized. He has been linked to the Sacramento Kings and recently the Houston Rockets, who lost starting point guard Fred VanVleet to a season-ending injury. But as the opening tip draws near, the league interest hasn’t translated into a contract.

Former Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4).© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

With the NBA regular season barely two weeks away, a new report suggests Westbrook could soon continue his career overseas.

According to Sactown Sports host Carmichael Dave, the 36-year-old has received a huge offer to play outside the NBA.

“I heard something from someone I trust enough not to blow off what they said: he may have an offer in China for about half a season—and it’s damn near quadruple what the Kings could offer him.”

The potential deal would reportedly make him one of the highest-paid foreign players in China, where several NBA veterans have revitalized their basketball careers in recent years.

If Westbrook accepts the offer, it would likely mark the end of his storied NBA run. From his explosive years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he became the face of the triple-double era, to his stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the 2017 MVP has experienced both highs and lows. His time with the Nuggets provided a late-career resurgence, as he helped the team finish as the fourth seed in the Western Conference last season while embracing a bench role.

Westbrook’s resume includes nine All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and the distinction of being the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. Yet with limited NBA interest and mounting international offers, the 6-foot-4 guard faces a career-defining decision.

A move to China could allow him to remain a star, secure a lucrative short-term contract, and keep the door open for an eventual NBA return—but it may also signal the final chapter of one of the league’s most electric careers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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