Russell Westbrook made waves on Monday after the Nuggets’ loss to his current team, the Sacramento Kings, by revealing the real reason he left Denver. The veteran guard revealed that Denver told him he shouldn’t exercise his player option, essentially signaling he wasn’t part of their plans.
“They didn’t want me back,” Westbrook said after facing his former team with the Sacramento Kings. “I’m not staying somewhere I’m not wanted.”
Russell Westbrook on not returning to the Denver Nuggets:
“They didn’t want me back.”
…
“I don’t go anywhere I’m not wanted.”
On NOT picking up the player option:
“They told me not to.” pic.twitter.com/f4lno2Yutk
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) November 4, 2025
In his first game back in Denver, he made a loud statement on the court, dropping 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in a Kings victory.
The 36-year-old had contributed solid minutes for Denver last 2024-25 season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games. Still, the Nuggets chose to move forward without him. But for Westbrook, this was a matter of respect. Westbrook walked away on his terms and made sure everyone knew why.
