Russell Westbrook Opens Up on Nuggets Exit After Denver Return

Posted on by Sam Pasfield
Westbrook (5)

Russell Westbrook and his return to Denver on Monday night wasn’t exactly a warm and fuzzy one.

The former Nugget, who now suits up for the Kings, made it clear after the game that his departure from Denver last summer wasn’t his choice.

“The truth is they didn’t want me back. Ain’t up to me,” Westbrook told reporters after the Kings’ 130-124 loss. “God always has a plan, be patient. Not up to me. They don’t want me, that’s O.K. Somebody else do.”

Still, the relationship between player and front office seemed to sour quickly.

The veteran guard declined his player option in June and signed with Sacramento shortly after, a decision he says came at the team’s request.

“They told me not to [pick it up]. I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted,” Westbrook said.

The 36-year-old added that he felt his lone season with the Nuggets went well, even if the organization saw things differently.

“I thought my year with the Nuggets was great,” he said. “But it seemed other people didn’t.”

Westbrook’s first game back in Denver served as a reminder of what the Nuggets let go.

He nearly led the Kings to an upset victory, finishing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in an all-around performance that drew applause from the visiting bench.

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Despite only playing in Denver for a season, the Nuggets made Russ a tribute video in his return.

 

Westbrook spent the 2024–25 season in Denver, where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists over 75 games, including 36 starts. He also proved valuable in the postseason, averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 13 playoff appearances off the bench.

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