Russell Westbrook Set To Decline $3.5 Million Option To Enter Free Agency
Russell Westbrook Set To Decline $3.5 Million Option To Enter Free Agency originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
Russell Westbrook, the 17-year veteran in the NBA, has likely decided to move on from his time with the Nuggets, as sources confirm that Westbrook will not be exercising his player option and testing free agency in the summer. Westbrook may re-sign with the Nuggets on a better deal, but it is anticipated that he may be looking to go elsewhere.
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Westbrook played only one season with the Nuggets as he joined them in 2024. This news comes days after a reported heated discussion between Nuggets teammates Aaron Gordon and Westbrook. While Gordon publicly claimed that the report was untrue, Westbrook's decision seems to make it clear that he no longer wants anything to do with that locker room.
In his only season with the Nuggets, he played 75 games where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The six-time All-Star has moved around the league to multiple teams ever since he left the Thunder.
Which Teams Are The Best Fit For Russell Westbrook?
As the next question in Westbrook's future is where he goes next, let's take a look at four potential teams that could make a move for Westbrook.
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1. Miami Heat: With Jimmy Butler's exit to the Warriors, the Heat are ushering in a new era led by the likes of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They could use his veteran experience to bolster their bench.
2. Sacramento Kings: As the Kings lost Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox in trades with the Pacers and the Spurs, they are now facing a major hole in their point guard position's roster depth. While Westbrook may not be an explosive scorer anymore like he was in his prime days, his passing vision should be enough to elevate the Kings' game from the point guard position. Despite playing less than 30 minutes a night, he averaged 6.1 assists on a team that already had Nikola Jokic as their primary playmaker. Therefore, his court vision could help the Kings.
3. Utah Jazz: With the Jazz reportedly looking to trade Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, they are set to anticipate a lack of depth in their point guard position. As they pivot towards young guards like Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, Westbrook could be the perfect veteran to come off the bench and provide the necessary input to teach younger players.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: While the Thunder do not need another addition to this young roster that is already a championship contender, the Thunder will be a storybook ending to Westbrook's career. Retiring with the team that drafted him would be the perfect full-circle moment for Westbrook. Even during the Nuggets' series with the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander jokingly invited him to come back 'home' to the Thunder. And while he doesn't exactly fit that franchise's timeline, he will always be 'Mr. Oklahoma,' and that city will always welcome him back with open arms.
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Glen Murray matches Marco Sturm's passion with enthusiasm for hiring of former Bruins teammate as coach
So began Sturm's quiet and seamless NHL re-entry, in part thanks to the bond he and Murray, proud son of the Canadian Maritimes, forged in their three seasons playing together in Boston. The two forwards (combined career goals: 579) remained in frequent contact in their early retirement years, with Murray well aware of the success Sturm built behind various Team Germany benches in those years leading up to the opening in LA on Todd McLellan's staff. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Sturm's enthusiasm for the coaching craft and determination to win, noted Murray, is '100 percent real,' which was among the many points he made to Don Sweeney when the Bruins GM called a few weeks ago for a critique of Sturm's work across his seven years in the Kings' organization. Advertisement Without hesitation, Murray offered his full endorsement, despite it meaning the Kings ultimately would be left to replace Sturm as bench boss for their AHL affiliate in nearby Ontario, Calif. Advertisement Glen Murray (right) has been very supportive of his former teammate, Marco Sturm, taking over the Bruins. Davis, Jim Globe Staff/The Boston Globe - The Boston Gl 'I told Sweens, 'This guy is passionate about the Boston Bruins' organization,'' said Murray, ' 'and he'll do everything you want, and the organization wants, to create the best team they can be.' I know they're going to be playing hard every night for Marco. He cares about the players. He's just a great, great fit.' No matter the makeup of the Boston roster — much of that to be finalized in and around the start of NHL free agency Tuesday — Murray is confident Sturm will preach an up-tempo, puck-possession game, one both veterans and younger players will be able and eager to embrace. He was patient with the kids the Kings needed him to develop, noted Murray, while at the same time able to get the vets to buy into his game plan. 'He's a player's coach,' offered Murray. 'He knows there's a difference, vets and kids, right? But at the same time, everyone has to be accountable. He's put in the time to get this opportunity, to be in this situation he's in, and he is going to put everything he can into the organization and help that team get back to the top. No question. And it's all real. There's not one ounce of fakeness in Marco, I know that 100 percent. He has no hidden agenda. His only agenda is to make the Boston Bruins a [Stanley] Cup contender.' During his introductory presser June 10 on Causeway Street, Sturm offhandedly noted he was alone in California throughout his seven years — four as an assistant with the varsity squad and three as the Reign's head coach. Advertisement To land the job he wanted as one of the NHL's 32 head coaches, it meant Sturm being away from his wife and two children ostensibly for nine months a year. They remained home in southern Florida while he toiled away in SoCal, chasing after his new dream with the same zeal he showed decades earlier as a 16-year-old in Germany, intent on one day playing in the NHL. 'Tough, tough grind,' said Murray, noting the dedication needed for someone to be away from family for so long. 'I mean, he had family in and out to visit, but they weren't living here. That goes to show you in its own right that he's passionate about it. Like that's a huge thing to do, to be away from your family, with his kids still 14 and 15 at the time … it just showed that, yeah, he cares, he loves being a coach and he's willing to work.' 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Three other North Americans dotted Traktor's playoff lineup: including goalie Zach Fucale (Quebec), Buddy Robinson (New Jersey) and Florida-born Logan Day , who played at Kents Hill School in Maine prior to college twirls with Providence and Endicott. Raise high your hockey hand if you figured one day those four all would wear the same sweater for a team in the far western reaches of Mother Russia. The puck takes some crazy hops. Former Northeastern blue liner Dylan Sikura (Ontario), who spent four seasons on Jim Madigan's Huskies squads (2014-18), spent the first half of the KHL season with Traktor before being dealt to Moscow Dynamo. International intrigue Tkachuk injury offers painful reminder Matthew Tkachuk played through some tough injuries this season. Nathan Denette/Associated Press Nothing new in seeing injured players grind their way painfully through the playoffs, but the Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk took that to maximum 'M*A*S*H' level. 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The big winger, who logged only 6:47 in ice time for Team USA in the Feb. 20 championship game vs. Canada, did not play again until the Panthers' April 22 playoff opener. He finished a robust 8-15–23 for the postseason, but still was at less than full strength and effectiveness as he shook that Cup over his head for a second time in his career earlier this month. Tkachuk wasn't nearly his best, but still put up a point per game at the most intense time of the season. That's leadership. 'If not for our medical staff and trainers …,' mused Tkachuk, appreciative of being kept upright and in sufficient operational order. Tkachuk, remember, led off the 4 Nations fireworks in the explosive Feb. 15 matchup vs. Canada at the Bell Centre. The puck went down for the opening faceoff and Tkachuk immediately shook off the gloves for a raging punch-and-wrestle fest with Brandon Hagel that went on for nearly 30 seconds. Both combatants, it should be submitted for the record, sprang right back up on their feet after their do-si-do. Tkacuk remained in uniform the rest of the night, but logged only 11:10. A guy who hates to miss a shift, he then sat out the game at TD Garden two nights later vs. Sweden, and was limited to the 6:47 in the title game. None of which confirms it was the fight with Hagel that tore him up, and it would be a mistake even to think so because, you know … no one ever gets hurt in a hockey fight. Advertisement Reign ends droughts Marchand's latest Cup stirs memories Brad Marchand lifted another Stanley Cup, 14 years after his first. Lynne Sladky/Associated Press Marchand went 14 years between Cup hoists. Legendary bench boss Dick Irvin remains the record holder as coach with most years (12) between Cup triumphs. 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With that in mind, when the Bruins recently added Stars assistant coach Steve Spott to Sturm's staff, I was hoping to read, 'See Spott Run' as a headline in one of the Dallas dailies. Not yet. But a man can dream. Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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OKC Thunder trading No. 24 pick Nique Clifford to Sacramento Kings in 2025 NBA Draft
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Oklahoma City Thunder will trade the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Sacramento Kings. The Thunder selected Colorado State wing Nique Clifford with the 24th pick. The Kings are sending a 2027 first-round pick to the Thunder. That pick is top-16 protected and would become two 2027 second-round picks if it doesn't convey. Advertisement The deal will be finalized later. The Thunder drafted Georgetown center Thomas Sorber 15th overall earlier Wednesday. More: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection in 2025 NBA Draft 2025 NBA Draft first-round results This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder trading No. 24 pick Nique Clifford to Kings in 2025 NBA Draft
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected two players in the 2025 NBA Draft. OKC first selected Georgetown's Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick. He's a 6-foot-10 forward/center who averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and two blocks last season as a freshman. Advertisement OKC then selected Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer with the 44th pick. He's a 6-6 guard who averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season as a senior. The two rookies will now join an OKC team that just won its first NBA championship in franchise history. Here's a breakdown of OKC's draftees and initial grades for the selections. Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: 2025 NBA Draft tracker: Live updates on Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and all first-round picks First round, No. 15 overall | Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown Sorber should fit right in with the Thunder. Advertisement OKC posted a league-best defensive rating of 105.7 during the regular season. It boasts plenty of elite defenders such as Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso. Now, it adds another standout disrupter in Sorber. Sorber has great length, which he uses to swat shots and intercept passes. The 6-10 big man averaged two blocks and 1.5 steals last season as a freshman. Sorber is also able to finish around the rim. He can use his strength or his soft touch to score, and his high IQ allows him to make some impressive passes at his size. Sorber has room for improvement when it comes to being more switchable on the perimeter, and his range on offense is a work in progress. He also underwent season-ending foot surgery in February. Advertisement Those concerns prevent me from giving this pick an "A" for now. But Sorber has the potential to develop into a two-way contributor for OKC, which did well to land him outside of the lottery. Grade: B+ More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Draft picks, contracts after winning NBA title Thomas Sorber (center) reacts after being drafted 15th overall by the Thunder the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25. OKC trades No. 24 pick to Sacramento Kings, who select Colorado State's Nique Clifford The OKC Thunder sent the No. 24 pick to the Sacramento Kings, who selected Colorado State guard Nique Clifford. OKC is reportedly receiving a 2027 first-round pick that originally belonged to the San Antonio Spurs. It's top-16 protected, and it'll become two 2027 second-round picks if it doesn't convey. Advertisement This trade shouldn't come as a surprise. OKC entered the draft as one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and it selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber with the No. 15 pick. With limited roster spots, OKC opted to trade for a future pick instead of bringing in another rookie. And, considering the trajectory of a San Antonio team that recently paired De'Aaron Fox with Victor Wembanyama, it's likely to convey. OKC will also be a significantly more expensive team by 2027, so the addition of someone on a rookie deal will be good for the books. This isn't a splashy trade, but it's a necessary one. Grade: A- Second round, No. 44 overall | Brooks Barnhizer, G, Northwestern Barnhizer is going to be a fan favorite. Advertisement The 6-6 guard is a good on-ball defender, and he thrives at getting into passing lanes. He averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks through 17 games before his senior season was cut short due to a broken foot. Barnhizer is also as tough as they come. He had his two front teeth knocked out twice last season but didn't let that stop him from playing with an incredibly-strong motor. Still, there's work to be done if Barnhizer wants to stick around in the NBA. Even though he'll be able to hold his own defensively, Barnhizer will have to become a more consistent shooter. He only shot 31% from deep throughout his college career. Advertisement It's difficult enough to find minutes on an OKC team with plenty of depth. It'll only be more difficult if Barnhizer isn't able to knock down his shots. Grades: B- Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for selections in 2025 NBA Draft
