NBA Rumors: The 4 Teams that Could Welcome Russell Westbrook if He Ends up Leaving the Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets were defeated on Sunday in the seventh game by the Oklahoma City Thunder and bid farewell to the season. However, in the locker room, after the humiliating loss, Russell Westbrook, a backup guard for the Nuggets, had a moment where he chose not to respond when a journalist tried to ask him if he would return to the team next year.

Westbrook responded by asking Vinny Benedetto if he knew what he was going to wear tomorrow, and when the journalist said he did not know, Russ simply said "exactly" and left.

Westbrook has a player option of 3.4 million dollars for the 2025-26 season, but it is very likely that he will seek a new place to ply his trade in his 18th season in the NBA. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists with Denver, playing 28 minutes per game and starting in almost half of the 75 games he played this season.

While forecasters are all over the map on where Russ will call home next year, let's take a look at four possible landing spots that at least make some sense.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have firepower upfront with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and some defensive chops in the backcourt with Jalen Suggs (should be recovered from knee surgery in time for the 2025-26 season). But, what about a veteran leader and impactful playmaker at the shooting guard position? Westbrook could be the answer for the Magic to take the next step.

Phoenix Suns

While it would have been interesting to see a reunion between Westbrook and Kevin Durant, it is almost certain that KD will not be in Phoenix next season, as he is a hot commodity on the market. But with Tyus Jones likely coming too, the starting point guard position is there for the taking, and wouldn't Russ love to have a starting role again?

The Suns could really use an impact playmaker in the backcourt to ease the burden on Devin Booker. Westbrook's poor outside shooting shouldn't be a problem, as the Suns have a couple of genuine 40%-plus long-distance shooters in Royce O'Neal and Grayson Allen.

Miami Heat

That Westbrook/KD reunion might happen after all. The Heat are one of Durant's potential destinations, and Westbrook could fit in here too. Head coach Erik Spoelstra knows how to handle stubborn players like Russ, and he is a player who embodies the Heat's attitude.

Dallas Mavericks

With Kyrie Irving set to miss at least half the season recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, they will need a veteran point guard to run the show in his absence. Westbrook may not score like Kyrie these days, but he can facilitate and create. Plus, he has had some chemistry with Anthony Davis during their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers.

With Russ turning 37 early next season, it doesn't have to be a long-term deal, but until the Mavs see how Irving has recovered, he could be a great insurance policy in the backcourt.

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