The clock is ticking on Russell Westbrook’s NBA career, and the silence from around the league is deafening. After 17 seasons of explosive dunks, triple-doubles, and championship dreams, the former MVP finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
Teams that once courted superstars are now looking elsewhere, leaving Westbrook with questions he’s never had to ask: Is this the end?
What Are Russell Westbrook’s Realistic Options for the 2025-26 Season?
The veteran player is reported to have limited options going into the 2025-26 season, paving the way for rumors of possible retirement. After all, Westbrook might not want to settle for a deal he doesn’t wholly agree with.
The NBA free agency market has drastically slowed down. Many available unrestricted free agents have already been signed, leaving only a few stones unturned.
Multiple reports have hinted at a league-wide disinterest in the veteran. In a recent Bleacher Report livestream, NBA insider Jake Fischer spoke about Westbrook’s availability and how the overall lack of interest is affecting his career. Furthermore, the Sacramento Kings are the only proper team linked to Westbrook.
“We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring Russell Westbrook in,” Fischer said. “That’s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook, and that’s still the home that I have heard earlier this week is the most likely outcome for Russell Westbrook, if he’s gonna be in the NBA at all.”
There’s been little news of additional suitors, with most teams boasting a complete roster. “Honestly, that’s really the only home we’ve heard for him,” Fischer added.
Though the door isn’t closed completely, a dwindling deal with the Kings truly opens up early retirement possibilities. At 36, Westbrook could be eyeing a few more years on the court.
In fact, Westbrook has indeed expressed wanting to play an 18th season. But with the Kings’ decision uncertain and not many teams lining up with offers, it might be tough for Westbrook to find a place in the NBA.
Why Haven’t the Sacramento Kings Completed the Westbrook Signing?
The Kings aim for a deep playoff run this season by adding Dennis Schröder to a roster containing Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine. Naturally, adding Westbrook was another step in their pursuit of a championship.
According to a recent report, though, the team is unable to make room. The Kings are looking to trade Malik Monk, but haven’t had any suitors yet.
“The Sacramento Kings have been ‘trying very hard’ to trade Malik Monk this offseason, but they haven’t found a taker, an NBA source told Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal,” Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal wrote.
He added that they intend to bring him off the bench behind Schröder as the sixth man, having a proper plan in place. This role would represent a significant shift for Westbrook, who has spent most of his career as a starter.
Westbrook, of course, might have a decision to make if no deal materializes before the season kicks off. The question becomes whether he’s willing to wait for Sacramento to create roster space or if he’ll consider retirement rather than accept a diminished role elsewhere.
In his last season with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 44.9% from the field.
