Russell Westbrook has declined $3.4M player option and becomes unrestricted free agent
At 36 years old and just recovering from hand surgery, Russell Westbrook has made a surprising announcement: he's choosing to opt out of his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets and will enter unrestricted free agency on June 30.
After putting up a decent 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games last season—and having surgery to fix two fractures in his right hand Westbrook is heading into the offseason with some serious leverage.
How Westbrook's 13.3 PPG and bench leadership reshape his free agency narrative
In his inaugural season with the Nuggets, Westbrook recorded 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games (36 of which were starts), shooting 44.9% from the field. He suffered a broken right hand late in the season and had successful surgery to mend two fractures, yet he still played throughout the playoffs.
Although he's not the triple-double powerhouse he used to be, he proved to be efficient, resilient, and a valuable veteran presence as Denver's sixth man and occasional starter.
For many veterans, turning down guaranteed money isn't the norm—especially for someone still earning the lowest salary of his 17-year career. However, Westbrook seems to be motivated by factors beyond just his paycheck. He's seeking more freedom, a significant role, and maybe even a chance to win his first NBA championship.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Classic Solitaire , Built for Desktop
Play Solitaire
Download
Undo
As June 30 gets closer, he faces a choice: return to Denver, likely at the veteran minimum, or look for a more substantial role in the market.
His decision to opt-out has opened up a lot of cap flexibility; the Nuggets are currently around $10.6 M beneath the second salary cap apron, which gives them access to the $5.7 M taxpayer mid-level exception and veteran minimum slots. This allows Denver to chase after affordable veterans or seek trade assets without entering the expensive luxury tax bracket.
With big contracts already in play for Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.
, and Aaron Gordon, moving on from Westbrook's contract was a tactical choice.
With no restrictions as a free agent on June 30, Westbrook's future is completely open. He's likely looking for a one-year veterans-minimum deal with playoff teams that need backcourt playmaking and leadership. Meanwhile, Denver has to find a way to replace his scoring off the bench Jalen Pickett is now the only backup point guard left and they could either sign two veterans at the minimum or make a trade to enhance their depth.
Russell Westbrook's choice to turn down his player option goes beyond finances—it's a declaration. Fresh off hand surgery, with a great season in scoring and assists, along with key playoff performances, he's taking a chance on himself one last time.
Also Read:
Peja Stojakovic Accuses Rich Paul of Blackmail in De'Aaron Fox Trade From Sacramento Kings to San Antonio Spurs
For the Denver Nuggets, this is a well-planned financial reset. With free agency starting on June 30, all attention will be on Westbrook's next destination and if this new phase will finally lead him to the championship ring he's been after.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is Angel Reese Sidelined? Latest Injury Update Shoves Chicago Sky Into Uncertainty Amid Rising Star's Mysterious Status
Angel Reese (Image credit: Instagram) The Chicago Sky were dealt a tough blow on Sunday as questions surrounding the status of their breakout rookie Angel Reese added yet another twist to a season already riddled with adversity. With the franchise battling mounting injuries, roster instability, and increasing pressure in the playoff race, the timing couldn't be worse. A Rookie Phenomenon at the Heart of the Chicago Sky's Season Angel Reese has been the heartbeat of the Chicago Sky's 2025 WNBA campaign. At just 23, the All-Star rookie has dazzled fans and analysts alike with her consistent double-doubles and relentless energy. She recently became the fifth-fastest player in franchise history to hit 750 points, a testament to her rapid rise and impact. Angel Reese 's intensity has fueled the Chicago Sky's resilience, offering fans renewed hope following seasons of instability. Her strong paint presence, vocal leadership, and signature swagger—including a now-viral postgame rant about questionable officiating—have made her one of the most magnetic figures in the league. 'We only had two free throws up until the fourth quarter, and when I asked the ref, she told me it's not her job,' Reese said after a narrow loss to Minnesota—an outburst that sparked debate and reflected her unfiltered passion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Sunday's Roster Shake-Up Raises Eyebrows The latest concern emerged when the Karli Bell gave us an update that ruled Angel and Hailey OUT of the game. Furthermore, Chicago Sky signed guard Marquesha Davis to a hardship contract, typically reserved for emergency situations when teams fall below the minimum roster threshold. In a season where Reese has become the central pillar of the team's on-court identity—especially with Ariel Atkins already out due to injury—her absence pulls up concern across the roster. Why This Matters: Angel Reese's Absence Could Derail the Chicago Sky's Playoff Push With a razor-thin bench and Angel Reese being Chicago's only All-Star this season, any stretch without her significantly compromises the team's competitiveness. The Sky rely heavily on her defense, rebounding, and scoring. Without her, they face an uphill battle in a crowded playoff race. Reese's situation also comes amid a broader backdrop of league-wide tension. The WNBA is inching toward collective bargaining negotiations, and players like Reese have stepped up to speak about working conditions and compensation. Her growing off-court voice has added a layer of advocacy to her already powerful on-court presence. Despite the turbulence, the Chicago Sky have produced some of the season's most memorable moments. From Angel Reese's fearless attitude to the team's ability to grind out wins with a depleted roster, their grit remains undeniable. The addition of Davis, while born out of necessity, could be another unexpected storyline in a rollercoaster season. As of now, the Sky have not issued a formal statement detailing Reese's condition. However, the roster changes and her online commentary offer a strong hint that she is currently out of action—temporarily, fans hope. Also read: Los Angeles Lakers Bring in Four Undrafted Rookies on Exhibit 10 Deals Ahead of 2025-26 Season With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Chicago Sky will be hoping Angel Reese's return is imminent. If not, the franchise risks losing momentum at a crucial stretch, with their season—and possibly more—on the line. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shannon Sharpe believes Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the most undervalued player in NBA history
(Image Source - Getty Images) Shannon Sharpe recently made waves in the basketball scene with a daring statement: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the most undervalued player in NBA history. This remark was made during an episode of his Nightcap show, where Sharpe earnestly argued that Abdul-Jabbar's phenomenal career is often overlooked in the never-ending debate about who is the NBA's Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Kareem Abdul Jabbar gets overlooked again in GOAT talks Shannon Sharpe started with Bleacher Report revealing their Top 100 NBA Players list in July 2025. The rankings ignited a huge debate, especially since Kobe Bryant—often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time—was left out of the top 10. Fans and analysts, including Sharpe, were quick to highlight what they felt was disrespectful. However, while Sharpe agreed that Kobe deserved a better spot, he turned his attention to a more significant issue: the persistent oversight of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shannon Sharpe DISAGREES with DWADE ranking Kobe Bryant Top 3 All-Time! | Nightcap During Nightcap, Sharpe not only stood up for Kobe—he also seized the opportunity to bring attention to Kareem, wondering why someone with such an incredible track record isn't part of the GOAT discussions alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James . As noted by Basketball Network, it was clear that Sharpe was frustrated, 'Despite Kareem leading both Michael Jordan and LeBron James in several career achievements or statistical records, why isn't the seven-foot center given more significance as the NBA's GOAT?' Kareem Abdul Jabbar earned more MVP awards than any player in NBA history To really get what Sharpe is saying, we should check out Kareem Abdul Jabbar's career highlights. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Search & compare rates from major search-engines, along with local, reputable engines. Hotel Deals | Search Ads Browse Now Undo We're not just discussing any player here; we're talking about a legend who ruled the game for twenty years. Kareem snagged six NBA Championships, kicking things off with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971 and then adding five more with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. He snagged six MVP Awards in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1980, which still stands as the highest in league history. His total of 38,387 career points kept him as the NBA's all-time leading scorer for almost 40 years until LeBron James shattered that record in February 2023. At 42, Kareem was still putting up double-digit points and playing a key role in getting the Lakers to the Finals, something only a handful of players have achieved in history. He made a splash right away by snagging both the MVP and Finals MVP in his second season, guiding the Bucks to their first championship. Later on, he was the backbone of the Showtime era in LA, teaming up with Magic Johnson to create one of the most legendary dynasties in sports. Also Read: The Chicago Bulls extend Billy Donovan and fans are left wondering if real change is ever coming Shannon Sharpe believes that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the most overlooked player in NBA history, and it boils down to this: his record—six MVPs, six titles, and nearly 40 years as the scoring leader—merits greater acknowledgment. During Nightcap, Sharpe made it known that he's fed up with Kareem being sidelined while Jordan and James dominate the greatest of all time discussion. FAQs What was Kareem's career scoring record? He scored 38,387 points, holding the NBA scoring record for nearly 40 years. How many MVPs did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win? Kareem won six MVP awards, the most in NBA history. Who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record? LeBron James broke the record in February 2023. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Matthew Stafford to miss more training camp time: how serious is this for LA?
(Image via: Getty Images) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is sitting out an extended portion of training camp due to ongoing back soreness, but head coach Sean McVay insists the situation isn't alarming. While Stafford will not practice for at least another week, McVay says the team is simply taking a cautious approach to ensure the veteran starter is fully healthy by the regular season opener. In the meantime, backup Jimmy Garoppolo is handling first-team snaps, a temporary adjustment, not a permanent shift. Rams extend Matthew Stafford's rest window to manage back soreness — PolymarketBlitz (@PolymarketBlitz) McVay originally announced that Stafford would miss the first five days of camp. However, after further evaluation, the team decided to keep him sidelined for at least another week: 'I probably spoke too soon,' McVay told reporters. 'We're going to be smart. He's going to continue to do work off to the side, and we expect him to be ready when it matters.' Garoppolo steps in, but Stafford remains QB1 With Stafford out, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is running first-team drills. McVay made clear this isn't a depth-chart shake-up: 'There's no setback, and this is not a long-term thing,' he emphasized. 'The plan is for Matthew to be our starting quarterback for Week 1.' Stafford, now 37, has battled back issues in the past, making any injury news notable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo However, team insiders maintain this current soreness is being managed as a precaution, not as a response to a new or severe problem. This back soreness leads some fans to wonder: is this a warning sign or just smart load management? For now, this feels more like calculated caution than a crisis. Still, given Stafford's history, fans are justified in keeping an eye on every update. If he's not back on the field within the next two weeks, that's when concern could turn into something bigger. FAQ: Q: Is Matthew Stafford out for the season? No. He's expected to be ready for the Rams' Week 1 game against the Texans. Q: Will Jimmy Garoppolo start regular-season games? Only if Stafford's recovery unexpectedly slows. As of now, Garoppolo is just covering camp reps. Q: Is this the same back injury from previous years? It's related to ongoing soreness rather than a new major injury. The team is treating it carefully to avoid aggravation. Also read - 'Shannon gotta be one of the dumbest niggas': Fans roast Shannon Sharpe after rumored $23M settlement goes viral For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
