Report: Westbrook Now In 'Advanced Talks' To Join Unexpected Team
Russell Westbrook's free agent market this summer hasn't exactly been thriving. While he's been loosely linked to a couple of NBA teams here and there, nothing seems imminent.
But one report from overseas has Westbrook now in "advanced talks" to join Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv club. According to Marc Jacobs, the two sides "have mutual interest," and talks are "continuing to expand." The former MVP, says Jacobs, is "seriously considering" a move overseas this season.
🚨 Russell Westbrook, más cerca de Europa.
— PIRATASDELBASKET (@PIRATASBASKET) August 11, 2026
El ex MVP y el Hapoel Tel Aviv mantienen conversaciones y hay interés mutuo, según The Athletic. Sería el primer equipo de su carrera fuera de la NBA.
Viene de promediar 15,2 puntos y 6,7 asistencias en Sacramento. 👇#EuroLeague… pic.twitter.com/6Ylo7q4qNE
Or Shkedi of The Jerusalem Post says it could be "one of the biggest deals in European basketball history."
Two weeks ago, rumors of the possibility of interest from the Israeli club were denied, but now, the possibility of seeing Westbrook in Europe appears "more real than ever," writes Shkedi.
Westbrook spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, and certainly did a nice job for them on the court, averaging 15.2 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists, mostly as a starter. The year before, in Denver, he played a solid role off the bench for the Nuggets, and put up numbers not far off his Kings' stats.
There was word recently, however, that some NBA contenders were warned to "stay away" from signing Westbrook.
The 37-year-old is a nine-time All-Star and holds the all-time record for the most regular-season triple-doubles in NBA history with 209. Whether or not he stays in the NBA for the coming season, Nikola Jokic is poised to pass him in career triple-doubles, as he's just 11 back with 198.
