After playing for 18 seasons and in over 1,300 games, former MVP Russell Westbrook officially announced his retirement from the NBA earlier this month. The nine-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion last played for the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He played 29 minutes per game for the Kings, and based on a recent report, another NBA team was ready to sign him for a two-year deal before he retired.
On NBA insider Marc Stein's Substack, he indicated that the Washington Wizards offered a two-year deal to Westbrook to return to play for them. According to Stein's sources, Westbrook ended the talks with the team, as he apparently didn't like the offer or the role he was going to have to take with the team. He then decided to stop playing.
Westbrook previously played for the Wizards in the 2020-21 season and averaged a triple-double for the team. However, he would've been heading into a very different roster situation. More news: Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Among 3 Players With Top NBA 2K27 Rating The Wizards previously acquired former All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis via trades.
In June, they held the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft and opted for BYU standout AJ Dybantsa, who could really turn around the franchise after many struggling seasons. With Young already slotted in as the team's starting point guard, most likely Westbrook would be coming in as a backup, much like he did in recent seasons with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. Westbrook had taken on a starting role with the Kings last season.
Westbrook may have been a great addition to give further depth to a Wizards franchise that seems intent on making noise in the Eastern Conference. They last appeared in the postseason after their 2020-21 season, which is when Westbrook was part of the starting lineup for 65 games. However, the Eastern Conference has potentially seen a major power shift over the offseason with the Philadelphia 76ers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
Additionally, the Miami Heat, who missed last season's playoffs, added Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead of trying to help the Wizards succeed and possibly return to the playoffs, it seems Westbrook preferred to call it a career and enjoy other endeavors and life pursuits. More news: Caitlin Clark Gives Honest Assessment of Atlanta Dream After Fever Win For more about the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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