Denver Post Report: Nuggets’ Westbrook to Decline Player Option, and Will Enter Free Agency….
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook is expected to opt out of his $3.5 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, according to a source who confirmed the news to The Denver Post, following an earlier report by NBA insider Marc Stein.
Westbrook, 36, signed with Denver last summer on a two-year veteran minimum contract that included a player option for the second year. During his 17th NBA season, he primarily served as a backup point guard to Jamal Murray, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Despite his bench role, it was considered one of his most impactful seasons since transitioning into a supporting role late in his Hall of Fame career. He also achieved a 32.3% shooting rate from three-point range—his highest since winning MVP in 2016-17—and posted a career-best 51.7% shooting from inside the arc.
With Westbrook set to test free agency, the Nuggets now have three open roster spots this offseason. DeAndre Jordan and Vlatko Čančar, who were also on veteran minimum deals, are hitting free agency as well. Thanks to an increase in the veteran minimum pay scale, Westbrook could potentially return to Denver on a more lucrative minimum contract. However, if he seeks a deal beyond the minimum, Denver may not be able to meet his financial expectations, especially given their current salary cap constraints and the absence of a newly appointed head of basketball operations following Calvin Booth’s departure.
Westbrook underwent surgery in late May to repair torn ligaments in his hand after a postseason that had its highs and lows. His energy and key shot-making helped Denver edge out the Clippers in the first round, but he had less impact in the second round against Oklahoma City. He had until June 29 to decide on his player option. After Denver’s season ended, he told reporters that he hadn’t yet made a decision, though he made a point to say goodbye to each teammate in the locker room—hinting at a possible departure.
If Westbrook does not return, Jalen Pickett could step into the backup point guard role, though the Nuggets may also pursue a more seasoned playmaker in free agency. Like many bench players, Westbrook performed well alongside superstar center Nikola Jokić but faced challenges when leading the second unit alone.
Additionally, reserve forward Dario Šarić has until June 29 to decide on his $5.4 million player option. He is expected to opt in, according to previous reports from The Denver Post.
