Russell Westbrook’s NBA Limbo: Why No Team Wants the Former MVP?

Russell Westbrook, once the unstoppable force of the NBA, now faces a harsh reality: as the 2025-26 season approaches, he remains unsigned.

The sight of a nine-time All-Star, former MVP, and future Hall of Famer watching from the sidelines is not just shocking—it’s heartbreaking.

For a player who redefined the point guard position, who averaged triple-doubles in multiple seasons, and who carried teams with sheer willpower, this limbo feels surreal.

And yet, here we are.

Westbrook’s fall from grace has sparked passionate defenses from his peers, who have rallied to his side with unfiltered emotion.

Michael Porter Jr., Patrick Beverley, Paul George, and others have stepped forward, not with vague platitudes but with fiery declarations of loyalty and respect.

For them, the idea that Westbrook—a player who has given everything to the game—could be discarded like this is not just wrong; it’s insulting.

Michael Porter Jr., who played alongside Westbrook last season with the Denver Nuggets, didn’t mince words during his appearance on the Respectfully Justin Lab Boy Show.

“It would be hard for any player to go from MVP to coming off the bench,” Porter said, highlighting the immense pressure Westbrook has faced during his transition from superstar to role player.

He called out the disrespect Westbrook endured in Los Angeles with both the Lakers and Clippers, labeling it “crazy.”

Porter’s frustration boiled over as he defended Westbrook against locker room rumors, emphatically stating, “That’s cap. He bought into the system. He was cheering people on.”

Porter’s admiration for Westbrook was deeply personal.

He recounted how, as a young fan, he idolized Westbrook during his Oklahoma City Thunder days alongside Kevin Durant.

Even now, at 36 years old, Westbrook remains a fierce competitor, hitting the gym every day and preparing like the MVP he once was.

Porter’s defense wasn’t just about basketball—it was about the human side of Westbrook, the relentless drive that defines him.

Patrick Beverley, who transitioned into podcasting after his own NBA career, echoed Porter’s sentiments.

Beverley, once a bitter rival of Westbrook, now defends him with unshakable conviction.

“It’s shocking, man,” Beverley said on his Pat Bev Pod.

“Westbrook’s still stretching with the team every day. He shot 40% from three in Denver. I don’t know what’s taking so long.”

Beverley’s comments carried extra weight given their history; the two famously clashed in 2013 when Beverley’s aggressive play caused Westbrook to suffer a meniscus tear.

Yet, by 2023, they had developed mutual respect as teammates with the Lakers.

Paul George, another former teammate, added his voice to the chorus of defenders.

On his Podcast P, George expressed disbelief at Westbrook’s unsigned status.

“Man, Russ unsigned? That’s wild to me after what he did in Denver,” George said, referencing Westbrook’s impactful performance off the bench that helped the Nuggets reach the Western Conference semifinals.

George praised Westbrook’s leadership, calling him “one of one” for the fire he brings to both the court and the locker room.

Other NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Chris Paul also came to Westbrook’s defense, calling out the unfair criticism he’s faced throughout his career.

Durant pointed out that it’s “fun” for people to make jokes about Westbrook now, but when he retires, the truth about his greatness will come out.

Chris Paul dismissed the critics as people who “don’t know basketball” and emphasized Westbrook’s value as a competitor and friend.

So why is Russell Westbrook, a player with such widespread respect among his peers, still without a team?

The answer lies in a mix of factors that paint a grim picture of the modern NBA.

At 36 years old, Westbrook’s athletic decline is undeniable.

The explosiveness that once made him unguardable has diminished, and his shooting struggles (career 30.5% from three) remain a liability in an era obsessed with floor spacing.

Teams are wary of his ball-dominant style, which doesn’t fit neatly into the modern “share the wealth” offensive systems.

The financial aspect complicates matters further.

Westbrook reportedly sought $5-7 million annually, above the veteran’s minimum of $3.3 million.

For teams operating under tight salary cap constraints, that price tag seemed unrealistic for a player whose role would likely be limited.

The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, with its restrictive first and second aprons, has made it even harder for teams to justify signing veterans at premium prices.

And then there’s the perception problem.

Despite glowing reviews from teammates, rumors of locker room issues have followed Westbrook from team to team.

Reports of confrontations with coaches and anonymous criticisms have created a narrative that Westbrook is difficult to manage, even if those claims are disputed by those who’ve worked with him directly.

The Sacramento Kings have emerged as the most likely landing spot for Westbrook, but even that possibility is fraught with challenges.

The Kings would need to trade players like Malik Monk or Devin Carter to create roster space, moves that haven’t materialized.

Other potential destinations, like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, or Detroit Pistons, remain speculative at best.

Overseas basketball and retirement are options, but neither seems appealing for a player who still believes he has something to offer.

Westbrook’s plight forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the NBA.

Loyalty is scarce, sentimentality even rarer.

The league moves on quickly, valuing efficiency and youth over legacy and experience.

For all his accolades and contributions, Westbrook now finds himself on the wrong side of that equation.

As the regular season looms, the window for Westbrook to find a team grows smaller.

Media days have come and gone without him, and training camps are in full swing.

The NBA has assembled its rosters, set its rotations, and established its chemistry—all without one of its most iconic players.

The sight of Westbrook on the sidelines, training alone while the league marches forward, is a stark reminder of how brutal professional sports can be.

Will Russell Westbrook find a team before the season starts?

Will he accept a reduced role, a lower salary, or even an overseas opportunity?

Or will he walk away from the game on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy that, while complicated, remains undeniably great?

Only time will tell.