Russell Westbrook declined his player option for 2025-26, turning down another season in Denver to hit the market as a free agent again. It wasn't a shock after he outplayed the minimum contract he signed last season, having a very solid first year with the Nuggets
There was some question as to what teams may actually be interested in Russ, if someone would offer him more than the minimum, if he'd prioritize money, role, or trying to chase a ring. But one unexpected suitor for Westbrook emerged before he even opted out, as there were reports that a EuroLeague team in Tel Aviv was prepared to offer him a monster contract.
On the surface, the idea of Westbrook leaving the NBA to play overseas seemed crazy, but the contract was rumored to be much higher than anything he'd receive in America. They would be offering him a chance to be the biggest star in the league, and to add to his basketball legacy in the world's second-best league.
Hapoel Tel Aviv shoots down Westbrook rumors
But all of that speculation was apparently for nought as Hapoel Tel Aviv general manager George Hinas shot down the rumors, telling reporters, “That’s 100% fake news. There were numbers mentioned, $50 million per year, which is crazy.”
This should put an end to the idea that Westbrook will leave the NBA, at least for now. He showed this season that he can still contribute to a championship-contending squad, and the EuroLeague isn't going anywhere if he wants to pursue that path down the road.
Again, this isn't exactly shocking. When Westbrook posted about surgery on his hand in his blog, he wrote that he would be back for an 18th season, suggesting he was never entertaining the idea of leaving the NBA for other options.
Westbrook may still end up back in Denver
Removing this Godfather offer from the equation, it's likely Russ is looking at the TPMLE or lower this offseason. That means the Nuggets should absolutely be in play to bring him back for another year. Although he opted out, he can actually sign another minimum contract that would earn him slightly more money, and actually save Denver some money against the cap.
If push comes to shove, the Nuggets could also carve out some, or all, of the taxpayer midlevel, offering Westbrook up to $5.7 million next season to return. Other than financial motivations, there's no reason to think both sides wouldn't be open to a return.
Russ had a very nice season in Denver and played a large and meaningful role for a team that had a real chance to win a title. It's hard to imagine there will be a team that can offer better, but ultimately, money talks. We'll see if the Nuggets want to bring Russ back and if Russ would consider returning to the Nuggets. But just because he opted out doesn't necessarily mean he won't be back.