Denver, CO — In his first appearance at Ball Arena since leaving as a free agent, Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook revealed that the Denver Nuggets encouraged him to forgo the final year of his contract.
Westbrook, 36, tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Monday night’s 130-124 defeat, then told reporters the Nuggets made it clear he was no longer part of their plans. “They told me not to [pick up the option]. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted. I don’t need to,” he said.
The veteran had held a $3.47 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Instead, he entered unrestricted free agency, remaining unsigned for most of the summer before accepting a veteran’s minimum deal with Sacramento last month.
Westbrook joined Denver on a two-year minimum contract in the 2024 offseason and appeared in 75 regular-season games (36 starts). He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes, then contributed 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 13 playoff contests. Coaches and teammates lauded his energy and leadership, but he shot .449 from the field, .323 from three and .661 at the line while posting a high turnover rate.
The Nuggets underwent major changes last spring, hiring David Adelman as head coach and naming a new head of basketball operations. Fellow free agent DeAndre Jordan also said recently the club chose not to re-sign him. Before Monday’s game, Adelman praised Westbrook’s impact on last season’s playoff run, calling him “the most consistent energy guy I’ve ever been around.”
Westbrook said he enjoyed his time in Denver but accepted the organization’s decision. “The truth is that they didn’t want me back. That’s OK. Somebody else does,” he remarked.
Source: Hoops Rumors
