The NBA is often celebrated as the league of legends — where greatness is etched in highlight reels and Hall of Fame legacies. Yet, the same league is equally ruthless, capable of moving on from its stars with startling swiftness. Today, one of the most polarizing and influential figures in modern basketball finds himself in that cold reality: Russell Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, 2017 NBA MVP, and the all-time triple-double king, remains unsigned as the 2025–26 season looms.

At 36 years old, Westbrook is in uncharted waters. For the first time in nearly two decades, the fiery guard who once dominated headlines with his relentless energy, rim-shaking drives, and uncompromising competitiveness finds himself teamless on NBA Media Day. For fans and fellow players, the image is jarring.

But while general managers and franchises have gone silent, Westbrook’s peers — from Paul George to Patrick Beverley, Michael Porter Jr., Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and beyond — have stepped up to voice their support. Their public defenses shine a spotlight not just on Westbrook’s character, but also on the sharp disconnect between how players and teams evaluate value in today’s NBA.

The Defenders Speak Out

Michael Porter Jr. was among the first to publicly call out the treatment of Westbrook. Speaking on Respectfully Justin Lab Boy on September 23, 2025, Porter was blunt:

“For Russ, like, here’s the thing. It would be hard for any player to go from being the MVP of the NBA to then taking on a role where you’re coming off the bench. He went to LA, got disrespected crazy. Clippers fans hated on him crazy. Meanwhile, he’s been MVP of the league. That weighs on you.”

Porter didn’t stop there. He directly addressed the infamous locker-room “cancer” rumors, dismissing them as “cap.” According to Porter, Westbrook was engaged, supportive, and bought into his role in Denver. The small clashes that did leak, he said, were simply the “normal” frictions of an 82-game season.

Patrick Beverley, once Westbrook’s rival and later his Lakers teammate, echoed the sentiment on his Pat Bev Pod. “It’s shocking, man,” Beverley said on August 28. “Westbrook’s still stretching with the team every day. Shot 40% from three in Denver. Helped them in the playoffs. I don’t know what’s taking so long. To me, it’s disrespect.”

Coming from Beverley — the same player involved in Westbrook’s infamous 2013 injury — the defense held extra weight. Their former animosity had evolved into genuine respect.

Paul George, another former teammate, added his perspective on Podcast P: “Man, Russ unsigned? That’s wild to me after what he did in Denver. Coming off the bench, sparking that run to the semis. Teams are sleeping on a guy still crashing boards like it’s 2017. Off the court, too — his leadership is one of one.”

Even Kevin Durant, who famously left Oklahoma City in 2016, spoke out in defense of Westbrook. Durant told reporters: “It’s a fun thing to make a joke out of Russ right now. But when he retires, people are going to tell the truth about how they really feel about his game.”

Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, and even Denver teammates like Nikola Jokić also pushed back against the criticisms. The message was clear: those who shared the floor with Westbrook respected him far more than outsiders gave credit for.

The Numbers Don’t Lie — But Do They Tell the Whole Story?

Westbrook’s 2024–25 season with the Nuggets was, by most accounts, a success. Coming off the bench for the first time in years, he embraced his new role, playing in 75 games and averaging:

13.3 points

6.1 assists

4.9 rebounds

1.4 steals

44.9% shooting from the field

32.3% from three (his best since 2017)

He finished 7th in Sixth Man of the Year voting and provided energy and leadership as Denver advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

And yet, Westbrook’s decision to decline his $3.4 million player option with Denver, seeking a larger role and contract in free agency, has backfired. The phone hasn’t rung.

Why the NBA Isn’t Biting

The reasons Westbrook remains unsigned are complex and uncomfortable.

Age and Decline – At 36, his explosiveness is not what it once was. His playoff minutes with Denver dipped to under 20 per game, a sign of coaches limiting his role.

Shooting and Spacing – Westbrook’s career 30.5% from three is well below league average. In today’s NBA, floor spacing is non-negotiable. Teams fear his fit more than they value his fire.

Turnovers – With 3.2 per game last season (career average 3.9), teams are wary of his decision-making.

Salary Expectations – Reports indicate Westbrook is seeking $5–7 million annually, far above the veteran minimum (~$3.3M). Many front offices don’t see enough value for the price.

Perception Problem – Fair or not, the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets all opted against bringing him back. That alone sends a damning signal to rival teams.

In short: Westbrook can still play, but the NBA has shifted. The high-usage, ball-dominant guard has little space in an era obsessed with shooting efficiency and versatile role players.

The Brutal Symbolism of Media Day

September 29, 2025 — NBA Media Day. A tradition where every rostered player poses in uniform, shares optimism, and resets for the season ahead.

For the first time in his career, Russell Westbrook wasn’t there.

Fans flooded social media with disbelief:

“Russell Westbrook is really teamless? Unreal.”

“This is sad, man. He deserves better.”

“Damn, it didn’t dawn on me free agents don’t have media day.”

The optics underscored the emotional weight of Westbrook’s predicament. A player who once commanded the spotlight now watches from the outside.

Possible Next Steps

Sacramento Kings – The most consistent link, but they’d need to move Malik Monk or Devin Carter to make room.

Golden State Warriors – A potential fit as a second-unit spark, though unlikely given stylistic clashes.

Miami Heat – Known for revitalizing veterans, but financial flexibility remains a hurdle.

Overseas – EuroLeague teams could offer money and minutes, but Westbrook has never indicated interest in leaving the NBA.

Retirement – At 36, with workouts ongoing, he doesn’t seem ready. But the league may leave him no choice.

What This Says About the NBA

Westbrook’s situation is about more than one player. It highlights how:

The NBA ruthlessly discards veterans once their style doesn’t fit.

Front offices prioritize numbers and contracts over intangibles like leadership and loyalty.

Narratives — true or false — can outlive a player’s ability to prove otherwise.

Russell Westbrook’s legacy is secure. He will enter the Hall of Fame, likely as a first-ballot inductee. He will always be remembered as one of the fiercest competitors in NBA history, a player who redefined the point guard position, and one who stayed loyal to Oklahoma City when others wouldn’t.

But right now, his reality is sobering. The NBA, once his stage, may have moved on.