Russell Westbrook Free Agency: Knicks Insider Shares Latest Update Amid Celtics Rumor

After a strong first year with Denver, Russell Westbrook turned down his $3.4 million option and stepped into free agency. He proved he still has juice left, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 75 games, carving out a reliable role off the bench. Yet here he is, unsigned, and the clock is ticking. At nearly 37 and heading into his 18th season, it’s not as easy to slide into the right roster spot anymore.

Knicks insider

Ian Begley recently chimed in on Knicks Fan TV and gave fans a reality check. “I mean I know Sacramento has interest in him. They have to figure stuff out with the roster first before they would be able to bring him on. Um other teams I’m not sure. I know he had interest in New York. Knicks had some interest in him, but I guess the way the roster shook out, it didn’t end up making sense. Um so I don’t know.” And just like that, the veteran guard’s next stop feels more uncertain than ever.

For weeks, Westbrook has been linked to the Sacramento Kings, but even there, things are murky. Jake Fischer reported that despite the Kings cutting ties with Terence Davis, there’s “no indication—yet” that it was step one toward a Westbrook signing. The truth? Sacramento has been more locked in on Jonathan Kuminga than anything else. Sam Amick even noted that the odds of a Westbrook deal only increase if the Kings completely walk away from that pursuit. So while the fit in Sacramento makes sense, the Kings aren’t exactly racing to get a deal done.

The Knicks? That door seems closed, at least for now. Salary concerns have pushed them out of the race, especially with reports suggesting Westbrook won’t settle for a veteran’s minimum deal. But here’s the thing—he’s in New York. And if that’s any indication, it’s at least worth paying attention. Recently, fans spotted him at a Chris Brown concert, vibing with the crowd and jumping straight into the viral “It Depends” dance challenge. It might not mean much for his basketball future, but it shows that Westbrook isn’t sweating the wait.

Other teams? The Warriors were tossed into the rumor mill, but not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea. Analysts like Danny Emerman warned that Golden State needs shooters and stability, not another high-usage guard who thrives with the ball in his hands. That leaves Milwaukee and Indiana as possible wildcards. The Bucks, still reeling after cutting ties with Damian Lillard, could use another scorer. Westbrook’s ability to bring instant offense and intensity would fit Doc Rivers’ bench nicely. But Milwaukee might stand pat with Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr., and a crop of young guards already there.

Indiana, though—that’s the intriguing one. Losing Haliburton for the season and watching Myles Turner walk to Milwaukee left the Pacers in a tough spot. They need scoring, leadership, and someone who won’t back down when things get ugly. Westbrook checks every box. He thrived in a split sixth-man-starter role with Denver last season, and in Indiana, he could do the same while filling in as a starter when needed. For a Pacers team trying to punch above its weight after heartbreak in the Finals, Westbrook might be the piece that keeps them competitive.

However, while the Knicks and Kings remain question marks, one contender stands out as a natural fit. With their depth shaken up, the Boston Celtics have emerged as a team that could give Westbrook exactly what he’s looking for—a chance to matter in a title chase.

Celtics eye Westbrook as potential bench scoring boost amid roster shake-up

One year ago, the Boston Celtics were the defending NBA champions, loaded with talent and paying everyone on the roster, feeling untouchable. Fast forward to the 2025–26 season, and the landscape looks very different. Jayson Tatum is out for the year after an Achilles tear, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were traded to clear long-term payroll, and Al Horford remains a free agent.

With so many departures, the Celtics now have apparent gaps, especially in bench scoring, where Russell Westbrook comes into the picture. Robbie Stratakos of Fox Sports calls him “a bargain-bin addition for a team needing a boost,” with Boston reshaping its roster, Westbrook could be a low-risk, high-reward option to bring energy and scoring.

As Denver’s best guard at applying rim pressure in half-court sets, Russell Westbrook carved out value with his relentless motor. He doubled as the Nuggets’ second-best passer and most dangerous transition threat, while his 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks per game underscored his defensive tenacity at the point of attack.

For Boston, he represents a natural—if unconventional—replacement for Jrue Holiday. Westbrook’s athleticism still allows him to hound smaller, slower guards on the ball, and his knack for jumping passing lanes adds a layer of disruption that fits the Celtics’ defensive identity. More importantly, his greatest strength—attacking in transition—translates seamlessly into Joe Mazzulla’s fast-paced offensive philosophy.

Much like in Denver, Westbrook has shown he can thrive within a defined role. In Boston, that means becoming a historical-level rim-runner at the guard spot, a willing passer, and a creator of open looks for teammates. What Jayson Tatum has grown into under Mazzulla—more decisive drives, quicker reads, and downhill pressure—Westbrook already brings as second nature.

Stratakos explains why Westbrook might fit, saying, “Yes, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard remain present and will inevitably have larger roles, while Anfernee Simons – who the Celtics acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in their trade return for Holiday – is a plausible scorer in his own right. At the same time, Westbrook could be himself on the Celtics, coming off the bench as the second unit’s leading scorer.”

Last season, Boston relied heavily on their 3-and-D game – second in the NBA in opponent points allowed and leading the league with 48.2 three-point attempts per game – but in 2025–26, that formula won’t be enough. Stratakos adds, “They need variety and, more than anything, capable and willing scorers. Westbrook fits the bill.”

Of course, there are reasons the Celtics might pause. Stratakos points out, “What could stop the Celtics from pursuing Westbrook, though, is them potentially feeling that they have enough veteran guards in their rotation, making the veteran a superfluous addition.”

With White, Pritchard, and Simons already in the backcourt, adding another guard could feel crowded. But with bench scoring still a concern and the possibility that Simons might be traded, bringing in Westbrook—a proven veteran scorer and playmaker—could give Boston exactly the boost they need, adding depth, experience, and a dynamic presence for the second unit.