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Russell Westbrook to be Approached For 'Never Seen Before' Move This Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets' season came to an unfortunate end at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. They made headlines when they fired head coach Michael Malone right before the start of the NBA Playoffs.

As a result, the Nuggets named David Adelman as the interim head coach. The Nuggets performed admirably under Adelman, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Russell Westbrook was a significant factor in that series, as he provided timely offensive rebounds in addition to shooting 41.9% from deep.

Russell Westbrook to be approached for "never seen before" move

In the series against the Thunder, Westbrook started right where he left off, scoring 18 and 19 points in the first two games. However, his efficiency from three had dropped, and the Thunder were getting him into foul trouble. That's where Denver's lack of depth and Oklahoma City's abundance of it shone through.

According to European basketball reporter Nemanja Zoric, Westbrook could have an interesting suitor, though not in the NBA.

"EuroCup Champions Hapoel Tel Aviv are expected to make Russell Westbrook an offer 'never before seen in European basketball,'" the post by Legion Hoops read.

EuroCup Champions Hapoel Tel Aviv are expected to make Russell Westbrook an offer “never before seen in European basketball”

(via @zoric_nemanja) pic.twitter.com/DP0F8paeEo
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 4, 2025

Westbrook has a player option he can choose to exercise or decline ahead of the June 29 deadline. The basketball IQ displayed when Westbrook and Nikola Jokic were on the court together was mesmerizing at times, but his lack of shooting ability limits him in Denver's offense.

The Thunder will likely be active this summer, attempting to get Jokic more help and extend their NBA Championship window, and Westbrook might not be around to be a part of it.

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

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