Westbrook: Nuggets didn't want me back, said not to exercise option
Russell Westbrook's departure from the Denver Nuggets apparently wasn't as amicable as previously assumed.
The nine-time All-Star and former MVP had a productive 2024-25 campaign in Denver and could have returned to the Western Conference contenders this season with a $3.5-million player option. Instead, he elected to become a free agent and eventually signed a similar one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings worth $3.6 million.
Following Sacramento's 130-124 loss to his former team Monday, Westbrook shed light on the decision and said he refused to exercise his option because the Nuggets didn't want him to return.
"The truth is that they didn't want me back. It ain't up to me," the Kings guard said postgame, according to The Denver Post's Bennett Durando, adding that the Nuggets specifically told him not to pick up his option. "God always has a plan. Be patient. Not up to me. They don't want me. That's OK. Somebody else do."
Westbrook registered 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game in Denver, both of which were improvements from his season prior with the Los Angeles Clippers. He also started 36 of his 75 appearances, his most in a campaign since he was last a full-time starter in 2021-22 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 37-year-old was Denver's first option off the bench during its seven-game, second-round series against the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook put up 9.9 points on 22.7 minutes per game in the series but struggled with his efficiency, shooting 34.8% from the field and 21.9% (7-of-32) from deep.
Westbrook clarified that he had no issue with the Nuggets' fans, who welcomed him back with a standing ovation during a video tribute in the first quarter.
Ball Arena with the tribute to Russell Westbrook in his welcome back to Denver π pic.twitter.com/UqDLNzYYs4
β DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 4, 2025
"The fans, I mean, since I've been here, they were great. Always gave me great energy," he said. "I gave them the same. I came out, competed at a high level every night. I was grateful for them for the ovation, so I appreciate that."
Westbrook started for the Kings in the loss and scored a team-high 26 points to go with 12 rebounds and six assists. He shot 10-of-17 from the floor, 3-of-6 from three, and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.