Russell Westbrook had a chance to continue his NBA career for at least two more seasons, but he chose not to. According to insider Marc Stein’s latest report published on Sunday, Westbrook had a two-year contract offer from the Washington Wizards. However, the potential first-ballot Hall of Famer “balked” at the team’s offer and chose retirement instead.
“The 37-year-old apparently balked at the specific terms of the offer and/or the role presented and has decided to stop playing instead,” Stein wrote.
Westbrook played for the $4.7 billion franchise in the 2020-21 season. He averaged a triple-double (22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists) and led them to a playoff berth. That was the last time Westbrook was an undisputed starter in the league.
Since then, amid declining athleticism, inefficient 3-point shooting and a major dip in production, Westbrook struggled to cement his role on contending teams. It seems the Wizards weren’t willing to offer a prominent role, either.
Meanwhile, Washington is aiming for a playoff return for the first time since Westbrook’s first and only season with the franchise. The team likely offered him a bench role, as Trae Young is the team’s starting point guard.
The Wizards will likely start Kyshawn George at shooting guard after a solid rookie season last year, averaging 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range.
Washington also boasts backup guards like Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, which likely would have limited Russell Westbrook to 20 minutes per game or fewer.
Russell Westbrook seemingly still wanted to contribute
Despite his declining performances, Russell Westbrook believed he could have played a contributing role on a contender. In his last season with the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook became a starter again after initially coming off the bench. He averaged 15.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 6.7 apg, shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.8% from 3-point range.
It seems neither the Wizards nor any other team was willing to sign him for his on-court value. Washington, in particular, needed a locker room leader, which is why it reportedly pursued Westbrook this offseason.
It’s an up-and-coming team with two new All-Star-caliber talents in Trae Young and Westbrook’s former teammate Anthony Davis leading the charge, alongside No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and several other young players.
However, Westbrook may have been against accepting an even more diminished role as a mentor, similar to the roles Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala played in their final few years.
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