Russell Westbrook could be on a new team in 2025, as the veteran guard declined his $3.4 million player option on Friday and is set to hit the free agency market on June 30, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Though Westbrook is past his prime and is no longer a starting-caliber player, the 36-year-old had a nice 2024 season with the Denver Nuggets, serving as a spark plug off the bench and a facilitator for the unit. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points per game and 6.1 assists per game, and also shot 32.3% from three, his best mark since 2016.
Westbrook should have a few teams vying for his services on the open market, and Newsweek’s Matt Levine believes a return to the Oklahoma City Thunder is the best landing spot for the nine-time All-Star.
“Even with the Thunder being in the NBA Finals, adding Westbrook could be a full-circle moment. The only thing missing from Westbrook’s career is a title, and the Thunder could offer him a great chance to win one next season. Westbrook could play the final years of his career with the team that started it all for him. The veteran is still very much loved in Oklahoma City, and there aren’t any fans in the NBA who appreciate him more. This is easily the best landing spot for the future Hall-of-Famer next season,” Levine wrote.
Oklahoma City doesn’t have many flaws, but adding Westbrook for quality depth and leadership would be a savvy move from general manager Sam Presti. Westbrook ending his career with the Thunder also sounds right, as he established himself as one of the greatest points guards of all time during his 11-year tenure with the franchise.
Additionally, Westbrook shouldn’t cost too much to sign, and he would provide some value for Mark Daigneault’s squad as the bench facilitator. A reunion with Oklahoma City to end his career feels like the ideal move for Westbrook.
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