Russell Westbrook left the Denver Nuggets earlier this season. He declined the player option on his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Sadly, that call hasn’t labored out as Westbrook would have deliberate.
Reasonably than touchdown on a brand new group with a extra favorable wage, Westbrook finds himself within the NBA wilderness. As such, for the primary time in 17 years, Westbrook may very well be on the surface of the NBA when the brand new season begins.
The Sacramento Kings have reportedly held interest in including him to their roster, however have but to make a proper provide. In response to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Scott Perry would wish to commerce a guard earlier than bringing within the former MVP.
“The Sacramento Kings, who’ve been essentially the most critical suitors in sign-and-trade situations, have been resisting the urge to make different, smaller strikes all summer season lengthy as a result of the Kuminga pursuit was an even bigger precedence,” Perry reported. “Extra particularly, the percentages of a Russell Westbrook signing go up in the event that they know they’re fully out on Kuminga (although they aren’t anticipated to make that transfer until they will make room within the rotation by buying and selling a guard).”
Curiously, Westbrook got here into the summer season having impressed for the Nuggets final season. He suited up for 75 video games, beginning 36 of them, and averaging 13.3 factors, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per outing. He additionally completed seventh in Sixth Man of the 12 months voting.
Westbrook had each purpose to guess on himself.
At 36 years previous, Westbrook is undoubtedly past his prime. But, he is confirmed that he is nonetheless a serviceable guard, particularly off the bench. It is arduous to consider not one of the league’s 30 groups view him as a viable addition to their rosters.
Nonetheless, Westbrook will seemingly land on a brand new group in some unspecified time in the future this season. His contributions can be deemed mandatory by at the very least one entrance workplace. However, his incapability to discover a suitor this summer season will seemingly function a chilling reminder that his days within the NBA are numbered.
And sooner, reasonably than later, Westbrook might want to step away from the NBA and start the subsequent chapter of his life.
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