Russell Westbrook showed out in his return to Denver on Monday, delivering his top performance since joining the Sacramento Kings. Following the game, the veteran point guard set the record straight on the reason behind his short-lived Nuggets tenure.
Russell Westbrook Explains Decision To Leave Denver After 1 Season
Upon signing a two-year, $6.8 million contract with Denver in the 2024 offseason, Westbrook thrived in a sixth-man role for most of last season. He provided a much-needed spark as a playmaker and slasher for a shallow Nuggets squad, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 44.9% across 75 appearances.
However, Westbrook’s production waned in the playoffs, particularly his efficiency (39.1%) and ball control, hindering his stock. After declining his $3.4 million player option, the nine-time All-Star went unsigned throughout the summer before securing a one-year deal with Sacramento last month, setting the stage for an eventful early-season clash with his former team.
Starting for the third time in seven outings, Westbrook posted season highs of 26 points and 12 rebounds, adding six assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers on a blistering 10-for-17 shooting (58.8%) during Monday’s 130-124 road loss to Denver.
Though it wasn’t enough to overcome Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokić’s dominant 34-point, 14-assist effort, the 18-year veteran made a statement, scoring inside and out while facilitating for his teammates.
Reflecting on his one-year stint in Denver postgame, Westbrook called the experience “great” before confirming speculation about the franchise wanting to move on from him.
“The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” Westbrook said. “It ain’t up to me. … God always has a plan. Be patient. Not up to me. They don’t want me, that’s OK. Somebody else do.”
The 2017 MVP noted that the Nuggets even urged him to decline his player option.
“They told me not to [pick it up]. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted,” Westbrook shared.
Russell Westbrook on not returning to the Denver Nuggets:
“They didn’t want me back.”
…
“I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted.”
On NOT picking up the player option:
“They told me not to.” pic.twitter.com/f4lno2Yutk
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 4, 2025
Across three starts with the Kings, Westbrook has outperformed his $3.6 million salary, posting averages of 18.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.0 spg, and 2.7 3pg on standout 47.6/44.4/85.7 shooting splits. Unfortunately for the veteran, his individual numbers haven’t translated to team success, as Sacramento has gone 0-3 with him starting to drop to 2-5.
Questions about the organization’s roster construction linger, with the Kings sitting just 19th in offensive rating (114.2) and 27th in defensive rating (118.3). Their next chance to get back on track comes on Wednesday when they kick off a five-game homestand against the Golden State Warriors (4-3).