Russell Westbrook says the Denver Nuggets 'didn't want him back'

Veteran guard Russell Westbrook opened up on his departure from the Denver Nuggets following Denver’s 130-124 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.

Westbrook had a $3.5 million player option with Denver for the 2025-26 NBA season that he turned down, and it turns out that he was advised to do so by the organization.

"They told me not to [exercise my option]," Westbrook said. "I don't go anywhere I'm not wanted. I don't need to."

Westbrook appeared in 75 games for the Nuggets last season, with 36 starts, and he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes per performance. Despite his productive play, the former MVP maintains that the Nuggets simply didn’t want to bring him back.

"The truth is that they didn't want me back," Westbrook said. "It ain't up to me. ... God always has a plan, be patient. Not up to me. They don't want me, that's okay. Somebody else do."

After declining his player option, Westbrook remained unsigned throughout the entirety of the offseason, which led to some speculation that his NBA days might be over. However, he eventually signed a one-year minimum deal with the Kings in mid-October. He’s appeared in seven games for Sacramento so far this season, with three starts, and has averaged 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

After spending the first 11 years of his career in Oklahoma City, Westbrook has bounced around in recent years, spending time with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver, and now Sacramento.

Though Westbrook is probably salty about the way his tenure with Denver came to an end, he remains appreciative of the support he received from Nuggets fans, who gave him an ovation upon his return to Denver as a member of the Kings.

“The fans, I mean, since I’ve been here, they were great,” Westbrook said. “Always gave me great energy. I gave them the same. I came out, competed at a high level every night. I was grateful to them for the ovation, so I appreciate that.”

One thing you never have to question when it comes to Westbrook is effort, as he leaves it all out on the floor every night, and fans tend to appreciate that. As a result, Westbrook remains a popular player in the league, even as his production and value has waned.