Russell Westbrook and his NBA future is still up in the air. But apparently, the internet already decided he was leaving.
A report claiming Westbrook was in talks to join Hapoel Tel Aviv began circulating, suggesting the former MVP was seriously considering making the jump overseas for the first time in his career.
There was just one problem. It wasn’t true.
According to a source close to Westbrook, the report was “laughably false,” The Stein Line reported, noting Westbrook has not considered leaving the NBA after 18 seasons.
The rumor originated from an X account presenting itself as basketball reporter Marc Jacobs, which claimed Westbrook and Hapoel had “mutual interest” and that talks between the two sides were continuing to progress.
That quickly turned into a much bigger story than it deserved to be.
Westbrook was suddenly being discussed as though he had one foot out the NBA door, with fans debating what a move to Israel would mean for the 37-year-old.
Except there was never a real deal to begin with.
The situation is a pretty good example of how quickly a basketball rumor can go from one social media post to something that looks like established fact.
And in Westbrook’s case, the timing made the story believable enough to spread.
But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to leave the league.
Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 64 games for the Kings last season, starting 58 of them. He has also made it clear that he still wants to play.
“I don’t think about it honestly. I love playing basketball and if it happens, it works and that’s my plan,” Westbrook said previously when discussing his future.
He is a free agent. He is 37. His long-term NBA future is uncertain. And after spending last season with Sacramento, there are legitimate questions about where he fits next.
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