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Russell Westbrook Says Nuggets Told Him Not to Pick Up Option in Denver Return

He alleges the request followed Denver’s offseason shakeup, prompting a one-year move to Sacramento.

Overview

  • In postgame comments, Westbrook said the Nuggets did not want him back and asked him to decline his roughly $3.5 million player option.
  • Westbrook delivered 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in Sacramento’s 130–124 loss at Ball Arena.
  • Denver played a tribute video and fans gave a standing ovation, with warm pregame exchanges between Westbrook, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
  • Nuggets coach David Adelman praised Westbrook’s energy and cited his role in last year’s playoff success against the Clippers and Thunder.
  • Following leadership and roster changes in Denver, Westbrook went unsigned for months before signing a one-year veteran-minimum deal with the Kings, where he’s averaging about 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists.