Still baffled by the NBA free agency market? A future Hall of Famer is surprisingly still available, and his former Lakers teammate is NOT happy about it! Patrick Beverley is publicly pushing teams to sign Russell Westbrook. Is this a monumental oversight by the league?
The National Basketball Association’s offseason has been marked by a surprising development in the free agency market, as a decorated point guard and future Hall of Famer, Russell Westbrook, remains unsigned. This unexpected situation has baffled many within the league, especially given Westbrook’s recent performance and proven impact.
Last summer, Russell Westbrook embarked on a new chapter, signing a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets that included a crucial second-year player option. His tenure in Denver proved to be a significant success, as he played a pivotal role in the team’s deep playoff run, helping secure a handful of critical victories. This resurgence appeared to firmly re-establish his value.
Despite his positive contributions, the 2017 NBA MVP ultimately declined his player option, opting to test the open market during this offseason. His decision signaled a desire for a new home, perhaps one where he could take on an even more prominent role or secure a long-term deal that recognized his renewed capabilities on the court. His season averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for the Denver Nuggets underlined his consistent statistical output.
After navigating a trio of challenging and often turbulent seasons in Los Angeles, split between the Lakers and Clippers, Westbrook genuinely appeared to find a stable and productive environment in Denver. This period was widely seen as a career revival, showcasing that the 36-year-old star still possesses the drive and talent to significantly contribute to an NBA contender.
The prolonged wait for Westbrook to find a new team has not gone unnoticed by his peers. Patrick Beverley, a 12-year NBA veteran and Russell Westbrook’s former Lakers teammate, recently voiced his astonishment regarding the legendary point guard’s unsigned status. Beverley’s public comments have ignited further debate about the fairness and logic of the current NBA Free Agency landscape.
Beverley’s strong defense included pointed remarks about the disrespect shown to Westbrook, stating, “It’s a little disrespectful that Russ hasn’t been signed yet, I’m gonna be honest.” He also refuted past criticisms, recalling his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and challenging the “cancer” label often associated with Westbrook. Beverley highlighted the positive experiences of current Denver Nuggets players like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, who reportedly enjoyed playing alongside him.
The veteran point guard has built a decorated career, earning nine All-Star selections and an NBA MVP award. While an NBA championship has TMeluded him over 17 years, his impressive stint with the Denver Nuggets last season provided clear evidence that he has ample “gas left in the tank” to contribute meaningfully to any team with championship aspirations. The lack of widespread interest thus far remains a puzzle.
Considering his veteran leadership, statistical production, and the recent endorsement from a former teammate who saw him up close, there appears to be no legitimate reason why Russell Westbrook should still be searching for a new home. If his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate is willing to publicly vouch for him, despite the intense scrutiny Westbrook faced in LA, then other teams should genuinely consider his immediate value on the court. The unfolding saga of his free agency is a key narrative in current NBA rumors.
