This offseason, two names dominated NBA chatter, Jonathan Kuminga and Russell Westbrook and somehow, their fates seemed oddly intertwined. After a strong year with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook turned down his $3.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season, betting on himself once again. The veteran guard averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games last season, yet, for all his effort, teams stayed hesitant until the final hours. When the Kings officially moved on from Kuminga, it opened the door, and just like that, Russell Westbrook had a new home. Still, his Denver connection lingers.

Just before tip-off, DNVR Nuggets dropped a wholesome clip on X showing Russell Westbrook sharing laughs, hugs, and a quick chat with his former teammates Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. The post read, “Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray say hi to Russell Westbrook pregame🫂.”  The clip perfectly captured the genuine bond between the two.

Unlike Myles Turner, who was welcomed with boos in his game vs the Pacers, the former Nugget was greeted with a throwback celebration, honoring the veteran guard with a tribute video and a roaring ovation before the first whistle in Denver. But once the ball went up, it was all business.

 Denver walked away with a 130-124 win over the visiting Sacramento Kings, but not without a serious fight from Westbrook. The veteran point guard dropped a season-high 26 points, along with 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 10-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep. 

Across the court, three-time MVP Nikola Jokić put on his own masterclass with 34 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. Kings coach Doug Christie couldn’t hold back his admiration when asked about the 2017 MVP before the game.

“Spectacular,” Christie said. “I can’t say enough about Russ. His gravity, his intensity, his attention to detail, his willingness to speak out as opposed to whispering in the corner… He’s going to say it. I’m that way, so it’s nice to have a player in the locker room who’s that way as well because communication is big.” It’s clear Westbrook’s leadership isn’t just about stats; it’s about presence.

The Kings, now 2-5, have struggled to find their rhythm early in the season, but Westbrook has been a bright spot. He’s averaging 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 43.2% from the field and 39.4% from three. 

His one-year, $3.6 million deal with Sacramento gives them exactly what they lacked last season: a veteran guard who can steer both the offense and the bench. And while the Nuggets might not miss his inconsistencies, there’s no denying they could use his spark, especially with their backup point guard struggles.

For those who remember, Westbrook and Jokić once made NBA history together, the first pair of teammates ever to record triple-doubles in the same game multiple times in a single season. Earlier this year, in January, Jokić posted 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, while Westbrook added 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over Brooklyn.

They were also the first to record 25-point triple-doubles in the same regular-season game. And maybe that’s why the world was shocked when Russ opted out of the Nuggets.

The Nuggets didn’t see Westbrook as worthy enough?

Russell Westbrook’s time with the Nuggets came to an unexpected end this offseason, and the reason was clear: Denver simply didn’t see him in their future plans. Despite his solid contributions, Westbrook opted out of his $3.4 million player option, entering free agency. “The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” he said to The Denver Post. “It ain’t up to me. God always has a plan. Be patient. Not up to me. They don’t want me. That’s OK. Somebody else do.”

During his lone season in Denver, Westbrook showed flashes reminiscent of his MVP days, shooting 32.3% from three, his best since 2016-17 and a career-high 51.7% from inside the arc. “I thought it was great,” he admitted. “I guess other people didn’t.” But the Nuggets were moving in a different direction. A complete front-office overhaul, coaching changes with David Adelman taking the helm, and key roster trades signaled a fresh start that didn’t include Westbrook.

Unlike some former players, Westbrook had control over his fate. He could have stayed by picking up his player option even if the Nuggets weren’t planning to use him, but he refused. “They told me not to. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted. I don’t need to,” he said, making it clear that pride and fit mattered just as much as the contract.

After months on the market, Westbrook eventually found a new home with the Sacramento Kings. He took his time during free agency, spending it with family and traveling, trusting that the right opportunity would come. “I’m grateful for the Kings, and I’m moving forward,” he said. “Whatever happened in the past happened. It’s OK. Everything happens for a reason. I’m looking forward to the future and finishing out this year.” And so far, the early part of the season suggests he’s found his place with Sacramento.