With less than two weeks remaining before the upcoming NBA season starts, Russell Westbrook is still without a contract. However, that doesn’t necessarily imply he has no options available.
The former NBA MVP guard, Westbrook, might have a substantial offer to play in China for part of the season, according to Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports 1140, who mentioned it on his podcast this week. Dave suggests that Westbrook could receive a salary that far exceeds what he might earn in the NBA at this time.
In discussing Westbrook, Dave stated: “I heard something from someone I trust enough not to blow off what they said,”
The Sacramento Kings have been the NBA team most frequently associated with Westbrook this offseason. However, no arrangement has been reached thus far, and it remains uncertain whether Sacramento is prepared to provide Westbrook with anything beyond the veteran’s minimum, which would amount to approximately $3.6 million for him.
As he approaches his 37th birthday next month, Westbrook had an average of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game for the Denver Nuggets last season. He seems to be seeking more than the minimum salary, which could account for his prolonged wait of over three months without a contract.
Westbrook was connected to a team in Israel back in June, but he appeared to lack interest at that time. Now, more than four months later, as he continues to search for a new deal, he may need to consider an offer in the range of $13-$14 million (as reported by Dave) to play half a season in China.
