Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook’s career trajectory has seen waves of changes since leaving Oklahoma City. In his 11-year stint with the Thunder, he was a thriving triple-double machine, but he has seen a slow decline. Soon after joining the Houston Rockets in 2019, he bounced between four more teams in six seasons: Washington, Lakers, Clippers, and, most recently, the Denver Nuggets. It was seen as a redemption arc for him, with the support of teammate Nikola Jokic; this was going to be the tea for him. But Russell Westbrook turned down his $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Then there were reports of the Chinese Basketball Association actively seeking him. But the question is, how much are they willing to pay him?

According to Sacramento radio host Carmichael Dave, “Russell Westbrook has a big offer to play in China… He may have an offer in China for about half a season, and it’s damn near quadruple what the Kings could offer him.” The report has fueled speculation that Westbrook could follow the path of other aging NBA stars who revived their careers overseas. But will it be the same for him? Let’s explore why.

Why is Russell Westbrook considering a move to China?

Not only is Russell Westbrook unsigned in the 2025- 26 NBA, but he has also reached free agency since June of 2025. While other NBA teams like the Bucks and Rockets might have shown interest, none have made a firm offer. The Milwaukee Bucks, with Damian Lillard sidelined and uncertainty around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, could use a competitive veteran like Westbrook to anchor their backcourt, according to analysts like Kendrick Perkins.

If Houston is a possible landing spot, a reunion with Kevin Durant looks imperative. Durant, reflecting on their eight seasons together in Oklahoma City, said: “Russ is a legend and I think he deserves to be in the NBA right now. And I think he deserves to be able to walk out of the NBA on his terms, so yeah, that would be dope.” Despite the endorsement, Houston’s salary cap and roster construction mean they would need to make additional moves to bring him aboard.

That’s part of why playing abroad suddenly makes sense. Other former NBA players, from Dwight Howard in Taiwan to Kemba Walker in Monaco, France, and Eric Bledsoe in the CBA, have found new life and major paydays overseas. The Chinese Basketball Association, particularly, has become a hotspot for aging stars who still have big names. For Westbrook, it’s an opportunity to lead again and play heavy minutes.

With the Nuggets last season, Westbrook proved he still has game. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes per contest, finishing seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting. It was also the first time since 2016 that a team with Westbrook advanced past the first round of the playoffs. His former teammate Nikola Jokic had shown support for him, “I think the teams that he has passed misunderstood him and did not give him the opportunity to be who he is.”

How much money could Russell Westbrook earn in China?

While there were reports of the Sacramento Kings offering Westbrook a veteran minimum contract, which, for a player like him who has 10+ years of NBA experience, is approximately $3.6 million. That is a stark contrast from the kind of contracts Russ has signed throughout his career.

He had signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension in September 2017, then the largest in NBA history. From that to now, getting narrowed down to offers that are under $5 million is considered a downfall. Even performance-wise, the nine-time All-Star recently had right-hand surgery on May 27 to repair multiple ligament tears. Over 1,237 regular-season games, he has averaged 22.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Financially, the deal is reportedly worth nearly four times what a team like the Kings could offer for the same period. That will stand at approximately $14 million. This gives him a rare opportunity to maximize earnings in a condensed window.

Which Chinese teams are interested in signing him?

The Chinese Basketball Association’s (CBA) Xinjiang Flying Tigers are the forerunners. Their offer is for a half-season stint, aligning with the CBA’s schedule. The Chinese team, Xinjiang Flying Tigers, is known for their active recruitment of high-profile international talent.  If Westbrook accepts the offer, he would likely be handed primary offensive duties, providing him with a platform to showcase his skills and wash off the ‘team-killer’ perception he has acquired.

This will also mark the same paths taken by other former NBA stars like Dwight Howard and Tracy McGrady, who have found success and revitalized their careers in the CBA. From China’s perspective, the interest in Westbrook is about business. International talent brings international attention to the CBA.

How will this move impact Russell Westbrook’s career?

A move to China is not a last option for Westbrook, but it can help create multiple options for him in the near future. The first and foremost benefit is the financial security, which is immediately more profitable than any other NBA offers he has at hand. Professionally, he would assume a starring role, controlling the offense and leading a team in ways he no longer can in the NBA. However, there are some drawbacks. Playing abroad may reduce his relevance in the U.S. A season outside the league could also affect his legacy.

Ultimately, it is a path for Westbrook to navigate his free agency, but a lucrative short-term deal in China has its own financial reward. If that means stepping away from the NBA spotlight temporarily, so be it.