Russell Westbrook’s NBA Future In Question As Productive Former MVP Remains Unsigned

Former Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook still remains unsigned deep into the offseason, with one team that has been targeting him becoming increasingly unlikely to actually sign him.

Per Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Sacramento Kings aren’t expected to sign Westbrook unless they are able to make room beforehand. The Kings have also been in discussion with the Warriors on a possible sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga. 

“More specifically, the odds of a Russell Westbrook signing go up if they know they’re completely out on Kuminga (though they aren’t expected to make that move unless they can make room in the rotation by trading a guard),” Amick said. 

Westbrook remains a productive player even at this advanced stage of his career

Westbrook remains one of the top guards remaining on the free agency market. In his lone season with Denver in 2024-25, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in 75 appearances (36 starts). After finally embracing a role off the bench a couple of seasons ago, Westbrook has turned into one of the league’s better reserve players. In each of the last three seasons, he has earned votes for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. 

While he is well past his MVP-winning days in Oklahoma City, Westbrook can still be a positive contributor on many contending teams around the league. His lack of interest on the open market has been confusing, and could potentially put his NBA future in jeopardy if he isn’t signed soon.