Russell Westbrook’s Future in Denver Uncertain After Nuggets Firings

Booth, who reportedly won’t have his contract renewed after this season, had been at odds with Malone over player usage down the stretch, particularly Malone’s decision to play Westbrook over rookie Jalen Pickett in clutch situations.

Sources told The Athletic that Booth was “dismayed” by Malone’s reliance on Westbrook, a factor that may have contributed to the broader organizational tension that ultimately led to leadership changes.

Those issues were magnified in an April 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Nikola Jokić’s 61-point triple-double, the Nuggets fell 140-139 in double overtime after Westbrook fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a last-second three-point attempt. The foul led to two made free throws and a Timberwolves win. Malone defended Westbrook after the game, but The Athletic reported that his comments were viewed internally as a slight to Denver’s younger players and led to a “loss of credibility” among some veterans.

In David Adelman’s debut as interim head coach on Wednesday, Westbrook saw only 17 minutes of action—his second-lowest total this season—adding to speculation that his role in Denver could be diminished going forward.

Now 35, Westbrook has averaged 13.2 points, 6.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds across 73 games this season. While his production relative to a $3.3 million salary is solid, his erratic decision-making and polarizing on-court presence have raised questions about his fit on a team looking to usher in younger talent such as Pickett and Julian Strawther.

Whether the Nuggets opt to retain Westbrook, part ways, or seek a trade, much will hinge on the new leadership’s priorities. Denver, currently fourth in the Western Conference, is facing a pivotal offseason less than two years removed from its first NBA championship.