Russell Westbrook has declined his player option for next season with the Denver Nuggets, and will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, according to Marc Stein. Westbrook’s player option was worth $3.5 million.
The nine-time All-Star spent just one season with the Nuggets, playing in 75 games and averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
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The 36-year-old Westbrook is six seasons removed from his last All-Star nod and won league MVP in 2017. Since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2018-19 season, Westbrook has bounced around the league, from Houston to Washington to Los Angeles and, most recently, Denver.
Westbrook’s departure opens up cap space for the Nuggets as they continue to build around the core of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray in the quest for another title. After winning the championship in 2023, the Nuggets have lost in the conference semifinals the past two seasons to the Timberwolves and Thunder, respectively.
In his lone postseason run with Denver, Westbrook came off the bench and averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. The Nuggets went seven games with the Clippers and Thunder.
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Before Denver, Westbrook was acquired by the Clippers in 2023 and had decent performances alongside Kawhi Leonard and Co. under Tyronn Lue’s coaching. However, after James Harden arrived in LA, the old Thunder tandem proved ineffective, which led to Westbrook’s exit.
The Clippers traded Westbrook to Utah and acquired Kris Dunn before the Jazz waived Westbrook, who was acquired by the Nuggets shortly after. His free agency comes after Westbrook underwent surgery to repair two breaks on his right hand. While his next team remains unknown, the explosive guard is expected to be cleared by training camp.
