After a period of uncertainty during the offseason, Russell Westbrook found a new team, joining the Sacramento Kings to start his 18th NBA season.
Westbrook revealed that leaving the Denver Nuggets was not his decision. Although he had a player option to remain for the 2025–26 season after signing a one-year contract with the Nuggets in summer 2024, the team told him they did not want him back.
“The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” Westbrook said in an interview with The Denver Post. “Somebody else do.”
Westbrook returned to Denver to play against his former team and showcased a strong performance with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists during the game. He embraced his role as a backup, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists throughout the season.
Despite his valuable contribution, Denver chose to take a different direction.
“I thought it was great,” Westbrook reflected on his season with the Nuggets. “I guess other people didn’t.”
When asked about his reflection on the season and its conclusion, Westbrook expressed positivity:
“Every part of this journey for me is always a positive impact.”
Westbrook's move from Denver to Sacramento was driven by the Nuggets' decision not to retain him, though he remains positive about his career and experiences.