Short-lived rumor. Reports placing Russell Westbrook in negotiations for a move to European basketball have been denied by two of the most reliable NBA market journalists, who confirm that the former MVP is not considering leaving the American league.
Story updated August 12 announcing the player's retirement
Marc Stein was the most emphatic. According to his report in The Stein Line, a source close to the situation called the report of conversations between the point guard and Hapoel Tel Aviv flatly false. Brett Siegel echoed this sentiment, explaining that he asked people from different franchises and none had heard anything about the matter.
Eighteen seasons and no intention to leave
Stein's nuance goes beyond a simple denial. He maintains that Westbrook has never seriously considered leaving the NBA after eighteen seasons, meaning this is not a failed negotiation but rather a story that never existed.
The numbers support that position. The point guard comes off a productive season in Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in 64 games, 58 of them as a starter with nearly 29 minutes per game. At 37 years old, he is not at the stage of his career where a player accepts that the league no longer wants him.
Sacramento remains the most realistic option
He remains an unrestricted free agent while evaluating his options for a nineteenth season, and the most plausible destination is the one he already knows. Stein himself reported on August 3 that the Kings had explored his return while also scouting Victor Oladipo.
The California franchise is seeking a veteran to accompany rookie Darius Acuff Jr., selected seventh overall in the recent draft. The question, according to the journalist, is whether Westbrook would accept returning in a reduced role compared to what he had last season under head coach Doug Christie.
It's also worth noting that nothing is set in stone on the calendar. Last season he didn't sign with Sacramento until mid-October, so his free agency could extend again until the preseason approaches.