Russell Westbrook Bracing for Bad News After Request to NBA Teams

With most teams having finalized their rotation by this point in the offseason, there is little room for Westbrook around the league. The Sacramento Kings have been the lone team linked to him in recent weeks, but would need to make a trade in order to add another guard (via Jake Fischer of The Stein Line).

As training camps approach and Westbrook remains without a team, new information has surfaced on the potential reason for his limited free agency market. According to Sam Amico of HoopsWire, Westbrook is looking for more than a minimum contract — something no team is willing to offer.

"Simmons and Westbrook both would want more than the veteran’s minimum salary," Amico wrote. "They may go unsigned before camp because of it."

According to Amico, one NBA scout reiterated that Westbrook could still help teams at this stage of his career. The bad news? That same scout said no team will be offering more than a minimum, which could leave the 2017 MVP unsigned when the new season begins.

The NBA's veteran minimum salary in 2026 will be over $3.8 million for players with at least 10 years of service time (via Spotrac). Westbrook's deal with the Nuggets last season paid him the minimum, so unless he feels his performance warrants a pay raise, it seems strange he would risk going unsigned over this contract request.

Nonetheless, that is what is being reported as training camps near.

How Russell Westbrook Compares to Recently Signed Veteran Point Guards

There have been multiple veteran point guards signed this free agency period. Chris Paul returned to the Los Angeles Clippers, Kyle Lowry re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, D'Angelo Russell joined the Dallas Mavericks, and Tyus Jones joined the Orlando Magic.

Paul and Lowry, both older than Westbrook, signed minimum deals. Russell got two years and 11.6 million from Dallas, while Jones received one year and $7 million from Orlando (via Spotrac).

By certain statistical metrics, Westbrook outperformed all four of these players last season. His 13.3 points and 4.9 rebounds led the group, while his 6.1 assists trailed only Paul's 7.4 mark. Looking solely at these numbers, it would make sense why Westbrook feels he is worth more than a minimum deal, but it may be that or retirement for the future Hall of Fame guard.