The Denver Nuggets enter an interesting offseason following a second-round playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the surprising firings of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth in 2024-25, the team is navigating a transitional phase under new leadership.
Amid this uncertainty, one key player’s decision to decline his $3.4 million player option has sparked speculation about his future with the team.
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Despite this move, Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh believes the 36-year-old former MVP could still return to the Mile High City for the 2025-26 season.
“I think he’s going to come back with Denver,” Haberstroh said of Russell Westbrook during The Kevin O’Connor Show. “I think (opting out is) just giving him some options … to see where things land this summer. But I don’t see Russell Westbrook leaving a situation where he can ride the coattails of Nikola Jokić … who made things so much easier for him. I can’t see a situation where Russell Westbrook is gonna be a plus contributor for a playoff team or a contending team at this point. So I suspect that Russell Westbrook will go back to Denver.”
In his lone season with the Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 75 games, thriving as a high-energy bench spark. His 44.9 percent shooting and defensive tenacity, including 1.4 steals per game, made him a valuable asset, even if his postseason efficiency dipped to 39.1 percent from the field.
Playing alongside Jokić, whose playmaking alleviated pressure, Westbrook found a role that maximized his relentless drive and slashing ability.
The decision to opt out, reported by Marc Stein and ESPN’s Shams Charania, allows Westbrook to explore free agency starting June 30. Yet, Denver’s financial flexibility offers a path for his return. The Nuggets can offer a 20 percent raise on a veteran minimum contract using non-Bird rights, potentially paying Westbrook $4.4 million with a $2.2 million cap hit.
Despite possible interest from other NBA teams and even a reported massive offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Westbrook’s return to Denver appears likely.
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