Westbrook officially becomes a free agent, and the two teams become the hottest next home

According to authoritative reports from well-known journalist Marc Stein, Russell Westbrook has decided to refuse to execute the multi-million-dollar player option next season (2025-26 season) or part ways with the Denver Nuggets. After the free market opened in July, the former MVP will become a completely unrestricted free agent. His whereabouts instantly ignite heated discussions in the league.

With Westbrook entering the market, B/R reporter Adam Wells immediately pointed out that the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings have surfaced to become the two most likely new owners of the legendary point guard. The two teams' desire for point guards has reached an almost anxious level:

Mavericks: The backcourt core Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, and he may be able to get a high-level battle card for most of next season. The team urgently needs a backcourt partner who is experienced and able to hold the ball to share the pressure.

Kings: The management previously traded All-Star point guard Daron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. There is currently a lack of reliable traditional starting point guard candidates in the team, and the tactical system is facing reshaping.

Interestingly, Westbrook has a deep connection with the core of both teams: during the Los Angeles Lakers, he worked with Anthony Davis, the Mavericks star; in the earlier years of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was close comrades with Domantas Sabonis, the Kings' offensive axis. These old friends have undoubtedly added emotional weight and space for tacit imagination to potential cooperation.

Despite growing older (will turn 37 in November), Westbrook's performance in the Nuggets last season proved that he is still a reliable rotation force: he played in 75 regular season games, averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists per game, shooting percentage of 44.9%, and three-point shooting percentage of 32.3% (free throw shooting percentage of 66.1% still has room for improvement). As a member of the NBA history triple-double king (198 times) and a future Hall of Fame definite member, his comprehensive data averaged 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 1,237 games in his career still demonstrates his unique stadium influence and fighting spirit.

Westbrook's career trajectory is spread across the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets. This time he became a free agent, his decision not only concerns his personal next stop, but also may stir up the backcourt of the Western Conference. Are you going to Dallas to join forces with your old teammate Thick Eyebrow? Or switch to Sacramento to reunite with Sabonis Jr. to fill the King's point guard vacuum? How much oil is left in the fuel tank of this never-ending "triple-double king"? All suspense is waiting for the door to open for free markets.