NBA Players Reacts To Russell Westbrook NOT Finding A Team!

Russell Westbrook, once the MVP of the NBA and a nine-time All-Star, now faces an unexpected and harsh reality: he’s unsigned, and no NBA team seems eager to bring him in. For a player who once redefined the point guard position and dominated headlines with his triple-doubles, the silence surrounding his free agency is deafening. Many fans and analysts see this as the inevitable decline of a 36-year-old veteran, but former teammates and fellow NBA players are loudly voicing their disagreement. Their passionate defense of Westbrook highlights not just their admiration for him as a player, but their frustration with how the league is treating one of its most accomplished stars.

Michael Porter Jr., Westbrook’s former teammate with the Denver Nuggets, was one of the most vocal supporters. Appearing on the “Respectfully Justin Laboy” show in late September 2025, Porter opened up about watching Westbrook go from MVP to bench player — a difficult transition for any athlete. Porter recalled how Westbrook was disrespected during his time with the Lakers and Clippers, yet continued to show up, lead, and work hard. He addressed the long-standing rumors of Westbrook being a locker room cancer, calling them false and insisting that Westbrook bought into the system and supported his teammates. Porter noted that any tension or issues were typical of a long NBA season and were blown out of proportion.

Patrick Beverley, a former on-court rival turned teammate, also came to Westbrook’s defense. On his podcast, Beverley spoke out about Westbrook’s professionalism and dedication, stating that he was one of the hardest workers and not a negative locker room presence. This praise was especially noteworthy given their controversial history. Paul George, another former teammate from both Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, expressed disbelief that Westbrook hadn’t been signed, calling him a unique asset whose impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. George emphasized Westbrook’s leadership, competitive spirit, and the mentorship he provides to younger players.

Other notable players, including Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, and Nikola Jokic, added their voices. Durant acknowledged that people often criticize greatness, but predicted that true appreciation for Westbrook’s career would come after he retires. Chris Paul pointed out that only those who don’t understand basketball would disrespect Westbrook, highlighting how critics often fail to recognize what it takes to compete at the highest level. Jokic, Westbrook’s most recent teammate, praised his playmaking and dismissed the idea that Westbrook couldn’t fit into a system.

Despite all this support, Westbrook remains unsigned. After a strong 2024–25 season with the Nuggets — where he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and improved his shooting efficiency — he declined a $3.4 million player option in hopes of securing a larger role and better contract. That bet hasn’t paid off. Teams reportedly balked at his asking price of $5–7 million annually, citing his age, injury history, and fit within modern NBA systems. The Nuggets didn’t bring him back, and other teams, including the Kings, struggled to make room.

What makes this situation so puzzling is that Westbrook proved he could still contribute meaningfully. He accepted a reduced role, came off the bench, and even placed seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Yet the market had already moved on. The NBA, now driven by analytics, three-point shooting, and floor spacing, has little room for high-usage, ball-dominant guards with inefficient outside shooting. Despite improving to 32.3% from three in Denver — his best mark since his MVP season — his career average of 30.5% remains a red flag. Combined with a high turnover rate and questions about his defensive consistency, teams deemed him a risky signing.

But stats only tell part of the story. What’s been lost in the conversation is Westbrook’s leadership, energy, and professionalism — traits that his former teammates unanimously praised. These qualities don’t show up in the box score but are vital in locker rooms and playoff runs. Still, the league appears to value efficiency and salary flexibility over intangibles. Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, teams are increasingly cautious about taking on veterans who don’t provide elite production at a low cost.

Now, as the 2025–26 season begins, Westbrook remains teamless — not due to a lack of ability, but because of a changing league and its shifting priorities. His situation speaks to broader questions about how the NBA treats its aging stars, and whether the values that make someone a great teammate — hustle, heart, loyalty — are still valued in a league dominated by spreadsheets and cap constraints.