NBA free agent Russell Westbrook was named in a new report.
Russell Westbrook's NBA Future Receives Update After Bradley Beal News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook declined his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets for next season. Choosing free agency, Westbrook wanted to explore his options.
In his 17th NBA season, Westbrook played in 75 games (36 starts) for Denver, posting averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. While this is high-level production for a 36-year-old point guard, Westbrook remains unsigned one week into free agency.
With the Nuggets signing both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, it seems very unlikely Westbrook returns. This leaves him with limited options, but there may now be some clarity on Westbrook's future.
In recent days, several reports have indicated Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is working toward a contract buyout that will allow him to hit unrestricted free agency. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, this news has stalled the market for players like Westbrook.
"And then there is the increasingly expected availability this week of Bradley Beal as a sudden marquee unrestricted free agent ... and how that will affect the fates of some high-profile veteran guards," Fischer began. "Namely future Hall of Famers Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook and former Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon."
Fischer added, "League sources say that the options for Paul, Westbrook and Brogdon are likely to be impacted by where Beal lands."
The latest on Bradley Beal's future AND the ripple effects it has on the NBA's free agent guard marketplace ... ALL from the notebook of @JakeLFischer: https://t.co/ETr774JS5ipic.twitter.com/AG4Z25ck6g
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2025
While some had begun to fear potential retirement for Westbrook, given the presumed lack of suitors at this stage of free agency, Fischer's update adds clarity.
To put it simply, the news of Beal's looming availability has his potential suitors in wait-and-see mode. Once he chooses a destination, the teams who did not win the Beal sweepstakes could then turn to a player like Westbrook.
Fischer named the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves as Beal suitors. While another stint in LA seems unlikely for Westbrook, perhaps a move to the Midwest could be in his future.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
