Russell Westbrook is declining his $3.46 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, making him an unrestricted free agent on June 30, according to reports.
This move gives the Nuggets some much-needed financial breathing room. They can now use their $5.7 million tax mid-level exception since they’re sitting $10.6 million below the second apron for next season, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports.
Denver is headed for luxury tax territory for the fourth straight year.
That’s a big deal because as a repeater tax team, they’re currently looking at a franchise-record $36 million penalty before they’ve even filled out their roster.
Westbrook’s decision to test free agency helps ease some of that financial pressure. The team is also waiting on Dario Saric, who has until June 29 to decide whether to opt in to his $5.42 million contract for next season.
Westbrook, who’ll turn 37 this November, joined Denver last July after stints with several other teams. His numbers this season weren’t what fans have come to expect from the former MVP.
In 75 games, including 36 starts, he averaged just 13.3 points per game – the lowest of his career. He also posted 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes per contest.
His shooting wasn’t stellar either. Westbrook hit 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc, while managing only 66.1% at the free throw line. His player efficiency rating dropped to a career-low 14.3.
The veteran guard wasn’t playing at full strength, though. Last month, Westbrook underwent surgery on his right hand to repair multiple ligament tears, according to the team.
In his personal newsletter, Westbrook clarified he was actually dealing with “two breaks that happened during the season.” Despite having his fingers heavily taped during Denver’s playoff run, he battled through the injuries.
“I’m grateful for everyone’s support all year and I can’t wait to be back out there at 100% soon,” Westbrook wrote. “The comeback is already in motion.”
He’s expected to resume his normal offseason training this summer following the procedure.
Westbrook’s career numbers remain impressive. Through 1,237 regular-season games (1,075 starts) with the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets, he’s averaged 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.6 steals.
He’s the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles with an astonishing 203.
Westbrook also ranks eighth in league history with 9,925 assists and sits 23rd on the all-time scoring list with 26,205 points.
Despite these remarkable achievements over his 17-year career, there’s still one thing missing from Westbrook’s resume – an NBA championship ring.
