Russell Westbrook's Weird Move Leaves Him Without A Team As Season Approaches

Is this what Russell Westbrook 'signed up for'—or rather, didn't sign up for—when he opted out of his deal with the Denver Nuggets to become a free agent? He is the lone big name still out there on the open market, and a contract doesn't seem to be imminent for him anywhere. 

The nine-time All-Star is watching all his NBA brethren participating in training camp around the league, while he sits at home without a contract offer. But it didn't have to be this way. 

17-year NBA veteran and now commentator Richard Jefferson, on the Road Trippin’ podcast (h/t heavy.com) calls Russ's whole decision to opt out of Denver confusing.

It’s weird, because you wonder about the information that allows him to opt out. He’s Russell Westbrook. He’s getting a couple of dollars. Denver is a good situation. They like that balance off the bench. He was impactful for them this season.

Were there people in his ear telling him there were greener pastures? Was it just Russ trying to stir the pot to find a better contract? Or even a starting role? 

So the question is, why did he make that decision? Jefferson's partner on the podcast, the outspoken Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of Westbrook back in their OKC Thunder days, says, essentially, it was Russ being Russ.

"I believe it's not by choice (that he hasn't gotten an offer anywhere yet)... Four years ago, reports came back to me from GMs around the league, and I said it on television, 'Russ gotta be careful now. The rumor around the league is, if Russ don't...temper it down, he's gonna be out of the league.' 

"He opted out of Denver. He had the option... And here we are starting the season and Russ is not on a roster." 

In other words, he did it to himself, is what Perk seems to be saying. Russ doing Russ things.  

Westbrook had his best, and most drama-free year last season in several years, playing a solid bench role for the Nuggets. He fit well with Nikola Jokic, and he averaged over 13 points off the bench in 28 minutes a game, with six assists and five boards. A solid, well-rounded player in the Denver rotation. And no complaints about coming off the bench. That was a long way from the previous few contentious years he spent in LA with the Clippers and the Lakers. 

But Russ couldn't stay with what was a good situation. He had to stir the pot, and, as Perk says, "here we are."

Photo: © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images