We’re 10 days into August, and Russell Westbrook remains unsigned on the NBA’s free agent market. Despite playing in 75 games and 13 playoff games last season, putting together a top 10 Sixth Man of the Year season for the Nuggets, nobody seems to want the future Hall of Famer who has toiled as an unrestricted free agent for over a month now.
Russ did everything the Nuggets could have asked from him last year; they had major bench issues, and he signed on a minimum and capably ate innings for them all season. Yet still, as soon as free agency began, the Nuggets pivoted, adding four veterans via trades and free agency, while leaving Russ out to dry.
In fairness, Westbrook did have a player option and chose to decline it, so the parting of ways was likely more mutual than it appeared. But surely, based on his production last season and the dearth of free agent options, Westbrook and his team must have assumed he would have a new home by now.
But now, the offseason transaction cycle is mostly over, most teams have done their work and are getting ready for training camp, and Westbrook remains a free agent.
Many teams should take shot on Westbrook
While the Nuggets have advanced past the need for a guy like Russ, he could certainly help many teams. His erratic style can be problematic, especially for those vying to contend, but that’s only a handful of teams right now. He would offer ballhandling, energy, and leadership for any team, and would bring a competitive edge and veteran presence that many groups lack.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what role Russ sees for himself and what team wants to accommodate that. If his goal is to win that ever-elusive championship ring, he is going to have to sacrifice quite a bit. We saw why it can go wrong in the playoffs last season, and it’s understandable why other contenders aren’t lining up to bring him in.
But if he sees himself as a veteran who can help a young team instill a culture and help mentor young players while being able to play and put up stats for a team that isn’t focused on winning in the present, there could be some great fits out there.
Ultimately, there are a few more dominoes to fall, especially with restricted free agents, and then there should be some movement in the market with the remaining veterans. Westbrook will be on a team by the time the season starts, but still, for any fans who were wary of the Nuggets choosing to let him go, the move seems more than justified now.