Russell Westbrook, the old MVP and once potentially the most explosive point guard in NBA history, has exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Denver Nuggets and entered free agency come June 30th per the report from NBA correspondent Marc Stein.

The decision, made on June 13, 2025, is a new page in the 36-year-old veteran's life as he gets ready for the future in the NBA free agency pool. Westbrook's inability to sign the second year of his two-year, $6,772,731 contract indicates that he is likely going to pursue a new contract or a fresh start elsewhere.

 

Russell Westbrook Free Agency

Westbrook's arrival into free agency follows a decent 2024-25 season with Denver Nuggets, where he continued to flaunt versatility and leadership. The nine-time All-Star triple-double champion has been with six teams since 2019, including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and his present squad, the Nuggets. The repeated team changes hint at an era phase dedicated to finding the right fit as a starter, sixth man, or wise veteran mentor.

As a free agent, Westbrook would draw interest from playoff teams looking for an experienced point guard to defend and score with playmaking skills. His expiring contract and comparatively lower $3,386,366 in 2024-25 make him a prospect to acquire experience without having to reach deep into the wallet. However, his late-career high age and comparatively newer status as a bench player might restrict offers to veteran minimum or short-term contracts.

 

Russell Westbrook 2024-2025 Stats

Westbrook played 75 games for the Nuggets during the 2024-25 campaign, making 36 starts. He averaged 27.9 minutes per game, posting:

  • Points: 13.3
  • Rebounds: 4.9
  • Assists: 6.1
  • Steals: 1.4
  • Blocks: 0.5
  • Field Goal %: 44.9%
  • Three-Point %: 32.3%
  • Free Throw %: 66.1%
  • Turnovers: 3.2

Westbrook's statistics are an outgrowth of his evolution into a more efficient, team-friendly player. No longer the volume scorer that he once was during Oklahoma City Thunder heyday, he was still a skilled playmaker and defender, frequently the energy initiator for Denver's bench unit. 

When called upon to enter the starting lineup Westbrook was strong, averaging 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.

His 50.5% effective field goal percentage was a high watermark among his current seasons, and it indicates better shot selection.

 

Russell Westbrook Career Stats

Westbrook's 17-year career on the court is a testament to his lasting influence. He has played 1,234 games for six teams, averaging:

  • Points: 21.7
  • Rebounds: 7.1
  • Assists: 8.1
  • Steals: 1.6
  • Blocks: 0.3
  • Field Goal %: 43.8%
  • Three-Point %: 30.5%
  • Free Throw %: 77.8%
  • Turnovers: 4.0

Westbrook's achievements include two All-NBA First Team, nine All-Stars, 2016-17 MVP, and the NBA triple-double mark. His prime with the Thunder, especially the years from 2014-19, has him average up to 31.6 points (2016-17) and still rack up triple-double seasons, solidifying his place among the most merciless competitors on the court.

 

Russell Westbrook Outlook

As Westbrook enters free agency, his next step will be based on what is most important to him: a championship ring, a bigger role, or passing the torch to the young guys. Contending teams such as the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, or Philadelphia 76ers would see him as a steady bench heartbeat, or rebuilding teams might hand him a starting gig to draw on his leadership.

There are questions that linger, such as questions about his turnover rate (3.2 per game in 2024-25) and uneven three-point shooting (30.5% career). However, Westbrook's intangibles of work ethic, competitiveness, and having a positive influence on his teammates are why he is a prized asset. If he signs for one year to pursue a ring or signs long-term for stability, Westbrook's free agency will be one of the 2025 offseason's top stories.

Wherever he travels, anticipate Westbrook to take with him the same ferocity that has characterized his Hall-of-Fame-caliber career.

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