Russell Westbrook on His Departure from the Nuggets
Russell Westbrook stated that leaving the Denver Nuggets was not his decision. He revealed on Monday night, after starting for the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena, that the Nuggets asked him to decline his $3.5 million player option for the upcoming season. “The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” Westbrook said.
Westbrook’s Performance with the Nuggets
Westbrook spent one season with Denver, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists during his 17th NBA season. He mainly served as a backup point guard to Jamal Murray off the bench. By many accounts, it was his most productive season since transitioning to a role player in his Hall of Fame-bound career.
- 3-point shooting percentage: 32.3% (best since 2016–17 MVP season)
- Field goal percentage inside the arc: career-best 51.7%
“I thought it was great. I guess other people didn’t,” Westbrook commented on his season.
Organizational Changes at Denver
The Nuggets went through significant changes during the offseason. They fired head coach Michael Malone after 10 years and general manager Calvin Booth. Lead assistant David Adelman was promoted to head coach. Additionally, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace were appointed to lead the front office.
Denver also traded longtime starting small forward Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and made several other free agency moves.
Summary
Westbrook’s exit from the Nuggets came after the team’s organizational reshuffling and clear message that they did not wish to keep him, despite a productive season from the veteran point guard.
Author's summary: Russell Westbrook revealed the Nuggets asked him to decline his contract option, signaling they did not want him back despite his strong contributions last season.