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Russell Westbrook could snub Sacramento Kings to follow Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady’s path with $12 million move

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 8:18 AM ET

Russell Westbrook has a choice to make between waiting for the Sacramento Kings to sign him, or take a lucrative deal like other legends in the past.

Russell Westbrook finds himself in a very difficult position. After a solid season with the Denver Nuggets, many felt that Westbrook had found himself a home.

However, Westbrook shocked fans by opting out of his Nuggets contract. Since then, Westbrook has been a free agent.

The Sacramento Kings have tried to sign Westbrook, but their cap constraints have blocked a move for the former All-Star.

Some NBA analysts believe Westbrook won’t be on a team come opening night. But could that be because he takes an option several NBA legends in the past have?

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Russell Westbrook could receive $12 million offer from Chinese team

According to Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports, Russell Westbrook could get an offer from the Chinese Basketball League to play half a season.

Dave claimed that the contract offer could be worth nearly four times as much as what the Sacramento Kings can offer him.

“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 Sacramento Kings, if they can clear some cap space, can offer Russell Westbrook the veteran minimum contract, which, for a player with 10+ years of NBA experience, is about $3.3 million.

This means the contract that Westbrook could get will probably be in the $12 million range, if Dave’s sources are to be believed.

Russell Westbrook could be next great NBA star to thrive in China

A former NBA superstar playing in China at the tail-end of their career is far from a novel concept. In years past, we’ve seen former stars like Tracy McGrady and Dwight Howard play in the CBL.

Not only is the CBL a financially lucrative opportunity for aging NBA stars, but it gives them an opportunity to play high-level basketball, while also platforming them for NBA scouts to take note.

Most recently, Victor Oladipo impressed fans on the Loong Lions, with many believing he should earn an NBA contract soon.

Should Westbrook impress NBA executives with his performance in China, he could find himself making a return to the league sooner rather than later.

For now, there is nothing concrete about the situation. And we don’t even know if Westbrook would even accept the offer.

But keep an eye on this situation, and we here at NBA Analysis will keep you up to date with the latest on Russell Westbrook and so much more ahead of the new season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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