The Denver Nuggets had Russell Westbrook in the Mile High City for a memorable season that was full of highs and lows. A few weeks after the season ended, he declined his $3.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning he’d enter unrestricted free agency. It was clear then that he wouldn’t return to the Nuggets, and it’s even clearer now.

ESPN reported on Monday that Westbrook won’t return to Denver, reporting that Sacramento is the “most likely destination” for the soon-to-be 37-year-old.

The Nuggets retooled the roster at the beginning of the offseason, from trading for Cam Johnson to reuniting with Bruce Brown. Their new depth means they no longer need Westbrook. Still, you’d think a team out there would’ve signed him by now.

Denver Nuggets, Russell Westbrook

He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for Denver, with 45/32/61 shooting splits. He played 75 games, starting 36 of them.

The Kings are the likeliest destination for Russell Westbrook

If Westbrook signs with Sacramento, his odds of playing for his first-ever NBA title will drop drastically from what they were this past season in Denver. The Kings aren’t positioned to compete for a title in the Western Conference.

As ESPN noted, Westbrook won’t reunite with his most well-known former team, like other free agent guards have done this offseason. The Thunder don’t have a need or space for him. An OKC homecoming would’ve been a feel-good moment, but it won’t happen, at least not this season.

Westbrook has suited up for five teams since leaving the Thunder in 2019, with four of those teams being in the West. That seems to be a trend that will continue if he signs with Sacramento, which would mark the third team based in California he’s played for.

Denver appreciated the spark that Westbrook gave off the bench last season. You can say a lot about his time with the Nuggets, but one thing that you can’t say is that he didn’t give it his all. He’s a bull-in-a-china-shop kind of player, which can benefit or hurt his team. You have to appreciate the effort.

Westbrook could’ve helped secure his future by picking up his player option, but it ended up working out well for Denver.

Hopefully, wherever Westbrook ends up next, things will work out in his favor.