Top 4 Next Landing Spots For Russell Westbrook

The Denver Nuggets were destroyed in Game 7 by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, and sent packing for the season. But in the locker room aftermath of the humiliating defeat, Nuggets mercurial guard Russell Westbrook had a mic drop moment, when a reporter tried to ask him if he'll be back with the team next year.

Tried to get Russell Westbrook in the locker room to see he had made a decision on his player option for next season. He looked at his watch and asked what I was wearing tomorrow. When I said I didn’t know, he said “exactly” and walked off.
Nuggets aren’t doing exit interviews.
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) May 18, 2025

Westbrook responded by asking Vinny Benedetto if he knew what he was wearing tomorrow, and when the reporter said he didn't know, Russ just said "exactly" and walked away.

Westbrook has a player option at $3.4 million for the 2025-26 season, but it's quite possible he'll be looking for a new place to ply his trade for his 18th NBA season. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 boards and 6.1 assists for Denver, playing 28 minutes a game and starting about half of the 75 contests he played this season.

And while the oddsmakers are all over the map on where Russ will call home next year, let's take a look at four potential landing spots that at least make some sense.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have the firepower up front in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and they have some defensive chops in the backcourt with Jalen Suggs (he should be recovered from knee surgery in time for the 2025-26 season). But as for a veteran leader and impactful playmaking veteran at guard? Westbrook could be the answer for the Magic to take the next step.

Phoenix Suns

While it would have been interesting to see a Westbrook-Kevin Durant reunion, KD almost certainly won't be around in Phoenix when next season rolls around, as he is firmly on the trade block. But with Tyus Jones likely on the way out as well, the point guard spot is there for the taking, and wouldn't Russ love to have a starting job back again?

The Suns could certainly use an impact playmaker in the backcourt to take that load off Devin Booker. Westbrook's poor outside shooting shouldn't be an issue, as the Suns have a couple of legit 40% marksmen from long range in Royce O'Neal and Grayson Allen.

Is a Westbrook, Durant reunion in the cards this offseason?

Miami Heat

Hey, maybe that Westbrook/KD reunion could happen after all. The Heat are one of the potential landing spots for Durant, and Westbrook could be a fit here as well. Head coach Erik Spoelstra knows how to handle headstrong alpha players like Russ, and he's a player who embodies the Heat's work-your-tail-off attitude.

Dallas Mavericks

With Kyrie Irving set to miss at least half the season recovering from a torn ACL, they'll need a veteran point guard to run the show in his absence. Westbrook can't score like Kyrie these days, but he can run the point and create. And he has had some run with Anthony Davis in their time together with the LA Lakers.

With Russ turning 37 early next season, it won't have to be a long-term deal, but until the Mavs see how Irving has recovered, he could be a great insurance policy in the backcourt.