Russell Westbrook on His Departure from the Denver Nuggets
Russell Westbrook stated that leaving the Denver Nuggets was not his decision. After returning to Ball Arena as a starter for the Sacramento Kings, he told reporters that the Nuggets asked him to decline his $3.5 million player option this summer.
“The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” he said.
Westbrook’s Performance with the Nuggets
Westbrook spent one season with Denver during his 17th NBA campaign, primarily as a backup point guard to Jamal Murray. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. By many accounts, this was his most productive season since transitioning into a role player phase of his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
He made 32.3% of his three-point attempts, the highest since his 2016-17 MVP season, and posted a career-best 51.7% shooting from inside the arc.
“I thought it was great,” Westbrook said. “I guess other people didn’t.”
Changes in the Nuggets Organization
The Nuggets experienced significant organizational changes in the offseason. They fired longtime coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, then promoted lead assistant David Adelman to head coach. The front office also saw new leadership with Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace appointed as lead executives.
Denver also traded longtime starting small forward Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and made several other moves in free agency.
Context and Impact
Westbrook’s comments highlight a clear shift in direction by the Nuggets’ new management, illustrating that despite his solid individual performance, the team prioritized rebuilding and restructuring.
Author’s summary: Russell Westbrook revealed that the Nuggets encouraged him to decline his player option, signaling a fresh organizational shift despite his strong season performance with the team.