Wizards expressing interest in Russell Westbrook

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 6:04 AM ET

The Wizards have had Russell Westbrook before. Why not try again?

Granted, Westbrook-to-Washington is far from a certainty, but Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of the Stein Line report that the Wizards have shown at least a “level of interest.”

Westbrook, 37, played for the Wizards during the 2020-21 season before being traded to the Lakers. He spent last season with the Kings, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 64 games.

While not the player he once was, Westbrook still plays an attacking, aggressive style. Today, he’s an unrestricted free agent

Washington, of course, enters next season with some hopes of returning to relevance behind the likes of Trae Young, Anthony Davis and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.

But besides Young and Davis, they’re still relatively young. Word is, they’d like to fill out the roster with experienced players.

Westbrook certainly fits that description — and received high praise for his professionalism and leadership with a Sacramento squad that had more downs than ups in 2025-26.

Whether anything comes of it remains to be seen. But if the Wizards are looking for a veteran voice in a young locker room, Westbrook checks that box.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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