Russell Westbrook Has Message for Raptors Player Amid NBA Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 5:37 PM ET

NBA free agent Russell Westbrook is still without a team. Opting out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets, which would have paid him $3.4 million next season, Westbrook decided to enter free agency.

There were early reports linking the 2017 MVP to the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, but those rumors have since stalled with both teams making different backcourt moves. Most recently, Westbrook was linked to the Milwaukee Bucks.

"In recent days, another team has suddenly emerged as a possible suitor for Westbrook: the Milwaukee Bucks," Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported. "... Given Westbrook's athleticism and speed, he would be an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on a Bucks team that likes to push the pace in transition."

Westbrook has only spent one of his 17 NBA seasons in the Eastern Conference, and that came with the Washington Wizards in the 2020-21 campaign. Just one day after this report, Westbrook had a message for one of the East's newest players.

In his Word of Westbrook newsletter, Westbrook spotlighted Toronto Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles for his NBA Draft outfit.

"One of the best draft looks put together from top-to-bottom," Westbrook wrote. "I love a nice pinstripe. Very clean, tailored very well. He’s starting off his draft career looking great."

New Word of Westbrook just dropped

Giving away one of my favorite pieces from @honorthegiftco. Must be subscribed.

Tap in! https://t.co/z3OdeERxPu pic.twitter.com/sS0Fk6FS4p
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) July 9, 2025

Should Westbrook end up in Milwaukee, he would be seeing a lot of Murray-Boyles. Milwaukee and Toronto met three times last season, with the Bucks sweeping the season series. These two teams also met in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals when Toronto overcame an 0-2 deficit en route to an NBA championship.

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

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