Westbrook of the Nuggets will enter free agency after declining player option

Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook is anticipated to turn down his $3.5 million player option and join unrestricted free agency this offseason. Westbrook, 36, signed a two-year deal with Denver last summer at the veteran minimum, with a player option for the second. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while playing as Jamal Murray's backup point guard for most of his 17th NBA season.

By most measures, it was his strongest season since he began playing during his Hall of Fame career. He had his best effective percentage since his MVP season in 2016–17, shooting a career-high 51.7% from inside the arc and 32.3% from 3-point range. The Nuggets have three roster spots open this summer as Westbrook approaches free agency. Both Vlatko Cancar and DeAndre Jordan have minimal contracts.