To have predicted that future NBA Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook would play for five teams after an 11-year tenure in Oklahoma City is almost unthinkable. Sadly, it’s precisely the path Westbrook has taken. Since exiting the Thunder organization, Westbrook has played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets, who he remains with for as far as they go in the postseason. Westbrook has not stayed put with any team for more than a season and a half—he spent one and a half seasons with both LA teams. In Houston and Washington, Westbrook has lasted just one campaign each. In Denver, it’s beginning to look like it will be another one-and-done situation.
Russell Westbrook’s Future Sure to Include Seventh Team
A future in Denver appears non-existent for Russell Westbrook following a probable one-and-done season with the Nuggets
It’s sad because, on one hand, Westbrook has received a bad rap. Case in point: the Lakers. While he wasn’t very goodby any means, he was also a victim of simply being an off fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Additionally, the Lakers coaching staff didn’t use him properly or effectively. Of course, Westbrook took the brunt of the blame for his failure with the Lakers. He then gained an opportunity with the Clippers. It wasn’t all bad there, as it was with the Lakers. Still, near the end, it was clear Westbrook wasn’t cutting it under Ty Lue either.
Westbrook’s many pitstops might be a blemish on his solidified career. That said, no one can ever shoot down his effort, energy, and how hard he works night in and night out. Westbrook doesn’t take games off, never has, and likely never will. Still, he seems unable to latch on to a team on a more permanent basis. Instead, his career has been reduced to a yearly rental, so to speak. A certain team wants him in the offseason or for a mid-season trade but then decides to drop him at their earliest convenience. Again, he’s partially received a bad rap. At the same time, Westbrook’s inability to adapt and conform to a style of play, coaching staff, or star teammates has also gotten him into trouble. Westbrook knows one speed and one speed only, and it has evidently backfired on him on more than one occasion.
Exit from Denver?
Given the recent developments within the Nuggets organization and Westbrooks’ place in it, it has the makings of another one-and-done season. Reportedly, one of the reasons for the rift between Michael Malone and Calvin Booth was related to Westbrook. Malone was intent on playing Westbrook big minutes, while Booth wanted the younger guys to be awardedmore playing time. Malone wouldn’t budge, and now that he’s gone, Westbrook has already experienced the effects. He played in just 16 minutes against the Sacramento Kings two nights ago, David Adelman’s first game as Denver’s interim coach. The Nuggets snapped their losing streak that same night.
Westbrook has a $34 million player option this summer. It’s hard to imagine him opting in, considering what’s going on in Denver and his role appearing to be significantly reduced. Once again, it looks like Westbrook has outstayed his welcome. Subsequently, he will likely be playing for his seventh NBA team for the 2025-26 season. Again, who would have predicted this trajectory for Westbrook many years ago? He’s a Hall of Fame player—no question, but what do seven teams (possibly more down the road) do to his legacy? It’s an intriguing question, for sure.
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