Russell Westbrook Makes Major Career Decision

The Russell Westbrook traveling roadshow has decided to make its fourth stop in the last four years, as the nine-time All-Star has decided to decline his player option at $3.5 million for next season with the Denver Nuggets, and will become an unrestricted free agent.

Denver’s Russell Westbrook is declining his player option for next season to become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.

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— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 13, 2025

The 36-year-old has seen his impact and minutes decline over the past few years, as he's no longer a starter anymore, as he was for the first 14 years of his career, which included an MVP award and nine All-Star and All-NBA selections.

This past year with Denver, he rejuvenated his career somewhat, playing a solid role off the bench, and averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists in almost 28 minutes a game.

If he doesn't set his sights too high in free agency, he could find a number of teams with interest in him, perhaps at the league minimum, or even up to about the $5 million mark. He brings veteran know-how, playmaking and an intense desire to win. Westbrook has earned over $330 million over the course of his 17-year career, so choosing a spot that can help him win that elusive championship ring will likely loom large in his free agent decision.