Only 3 Teams Are Interested In Russell Westbrook; Is He Done In The NBA?

Russell Westbrook has been one of the league's finest players, a perpetual record-breaker and dynamic game-changer in his prime. Unfortunately, the current scenario hasn't been as kind to the 9x All-Star as he draws limited interest from teams in free agency. NBA insider Jake Fischer shared more on the topic when he said:

"Sacramento and New York were the only teams outside of Denver that I've heard for Russell Westbrook. There could be new teams. Milwaukee, I know, is looking for a guard right now. Indiana is looking for a guard. Have not heard them necessarily connected to Russell Westbrook, but it's possible."

Coming off his season with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook seems to be in an unfavorable situation after declining his player option to enter free agency. While the Sacramento Kings were presented as a potential landing spot for the veteran point guard, the Kings' decision to sign Dennis Schroder may have effectively shut the door on this deal.

Some rumors had also presented the New York Knicks as a landing spot. But like the Kings, the Knicks acquired Jordan Clarkson on a veteran minimum deal, relegating the need for a player like Westbrook. 

The current market for point guards is limited to teams like the Bucks, who recently waived Damian Lillard, and Indiana, who will need a backup guard as Tyrese Haliburton recovers from an Achilles injury. A similar situation also arises with the Phoenix Suns, who require a point guard.

Even at this juncture, the Bucks may indicate a mutual preference for Chris Paul, another veteran guard testing free agency this summer. All things considered, the outlook for Westbrook appears increasingly uncertain.

The lack of interest in the 36-year-old point guard is quite shocking, especially after the season he had with the Nuggets. In 75 games with the team, he displayed his durability while averaging 13.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. This was a notable improvement in performance compared to his outing with the Clippers in the 2023-24 season.

Westbrook was a reliable contributor off Denver's bench. When called upon to play in the starting rotation in Jamal Murray's absence, the veteran shone for the Nuggets. 

Westbrook saw a huge improvement in his productivity, as he averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in the 36 games he played as a starter. These are impressive numbers when compared to some of the other available guards in the league.

The lack of interest from teams could spell the end of Westbrook's time in the NBA. Although the rumors of Hapoel Tel Aviv's offer to Westbrook were fake, there would be some scope for the 9x All-Star to play overseas. But with the offseason still underway, there is some hope for a late shift in the market.