4 Teams Listed as Favorites to Land Russell Westbrook
We learned last week that a team in China was going to make a massive offer for Russell Westbrook that would have paid him four times what he could possibly make in the NBA this season. But Russ apparently has 'zero interest' in playing overseas.
Russell Westbrook has zero interest in playing overseas and plans to wait for an NBA opportunity. Sacramento, Miami, and Dallas are currently viewed as the favorites to land the 9x All-Star. #NBA pic.twitter.com/ARjocpuES9
— NBATradeReport (@NBATradeReport) October 13, 2025
Russ is going to wait it out for an NBA opportunity. And while the Sacramento Kings have long been the frontrunner for his services, two or three more destinations have emerged as betting favorites to have a shot at landing him as well.
Mavericks one of favorites (+200) to sign Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are without Kyrie Irving for at least the first half of the season with a torn ACL. D'Angelo Russell is currently slated as the starting point guard going into the season, and while he should keep the position warm for Kyrie, adding another dynamic playmaker like Westbrook would make sense for the Mavs.
The Houston Rockets are co-runners-up to sign Russ, at +200.
Miami Heat have been urged to sign Westbrook
The Heat have been urged to sign the nine-time All-Star for some time now, though they don't make the top 3 betting favorites. He could be a good fit for the team's need for playmaking, especially on a veteran minimum contract. With Tyler Herro out until at least mid-November after foot surgery, the Heat's backcourt is in desperate need. They're currently going with Davion Mitchell as their starting point guard, but Westbrook's ability to create for teammates, as well as drive and kick it out would be a big boost to the backcourt.
The Kings—at +150 for betting purposes—still remain the favorite, however, to bring in Westbrook. Dennis Schroder was signed this offseason and is their starting point guard, but Russ would add some much-needed depth to the Sacramento backcourt.
Westbrook declined his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets after a fine season coming off the bench for Nikola Jokic & Co.
Photo: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
