Russell Westbrook apparently had to make some concessions in order to get back into the NBA.
The former MVP guard Westbrook agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings earlier this week. That ended a three-and-a-half month stretch of Westbrook being an unsigned free agent this offseason.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype shared some interesting details on Friday about Westbrook’s new contract. The deal is for one year and is also non-guaranteed, Scotto reports. That means that the Kings would potentially be able to waive Westbrook at any time without cost.
We also previously heard that Westbrook’s contract had a value of $3.6 million. That represents the veteran’s minimum for a player with 10+ years of NBA experience like the former NBA scoring champion Westbrook.
Westbrook, who had declined a $3.5 million player option from the Denver Nuggets for 2025-26, was seemingly holding out for more than the minimum. But with the regular season about to start in a matter of days, Westbrook apparently decided to come off his stance and officially secure his 18th career season in the NBA.
Interestingly enough, Westbrook, who averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game for the Nuggets last season, reportedly may have had an enormous deal from overseas that would have earned him multiples more in salary. That said, Westbrook, even if he is now on a non-guaranteed minimum contract and will likely come off the bench for the Kings, is more than happy to stay in the NBA for another season at (almost) age 37.
