Westbrook "runs away from Maicheng", rejects the player option, and will test the free market!

The sky of the Nuggets collapses! The few reinforcements last year were only Westbrook, and now the bench's perpetual motion is about to say goodbye to the Nuggets. On June 13, according to well-known journalist Marc Stein, Nuggets defender Russell Westbrook refused to execute the $3.4 million player option next season and chose to become a free agent. Westbrook signed a two-year veteran base salary contract with the Nuggets last year, which includes player options for the 2025-26 season.

This former MVP has obvious determination - is what I lack money? No, all that is missing is that damn championship!

Westbrook left the Thunder and moved to five teams in 6 years, including the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets. To put it bluntly, the change of such frequency is for one goal - that is the O'Brien Cup (Champion Trophy)! Last year, he was willing to join the Nuggets with the minimum salary of veterans, because he was interested in them as the defending champions and Jokic, the first player in the league, was in charge and had the ability to compete for the championship!

This season's regular season, Westbrook played 75 games (of which 36 start), and averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. However, scoring is only one aspect. The most important thing is the emotional value he provides to the Nuggets. He is as tireless as a perpetual motion machine, which drives the enthusiasm of the entire team's offense and defense. His role is far beyond what scores can match.

However, he lost to the Thunder in the tiebreak in the Western Conference Semi-Finals and completely missed the championship. There is an old saying: It is a taboo for changing coaches in the last match. Perhaps this ending will be destined when the Nuggets cut off coach Ma Long!

Now Westbrook has become a free agent again. Which teams will this former MVP and now have a basic salary veteran?

For example, the Suns (missing point guard), but Westbrook is likely not to go. The Suns are now almost the same as rebuilding. Not to mention competing for the championship next season, it will be questionable whether they can enter the playoffs!

The Spurs are still possible. The Spurs are fighting for Durant. If Westbrook joins, the third young master of the Thunder will be inferior to Harden before. Moreover, with Wenban Yama, Fox and Durant, there will be hope for the championship next season!

The Clippers also have variables. Harden has not yet determined whether to renew the contract. If Harden leaves, the Clippers urgently need a defender. Westbrook first does not occupy the salary space. Secondly, he has had experience in cooperation and is familiar with each other. It is not impossible to return to the Clippers!

However, in addition to the above teams, the most speculation is whether Westbrook will join the Lakers with a minimum salary. Although Westbrook's cooperation with the Lakers is not successful, the situation is different now. The Lakers urgently need to increase the depth of the bench, especially the second lineup lacks an engine that can be organized by the ball. A veteran's basic salary is no pressure for the Lakers. If Westbrook is willing to accept a clearer positioning - focusing on leading a substitute, exerting his impact instead of being the core of the offensive, the two sides let go of the past unhappiness and cooperate again, it might be a low-cost and high-reward attempt.

And after the Lakers strengthened the center next season, and James Doncic, they also have the ability to compete for the championship!

As for why he doesn't go back to the Thunder or join the Pacers, as a former MVP, he still has some backbone. He still believes that he can influence the game and is willing to get a basic salary to inject tough spirit into a strong team, rather than absorbing the team's bottom!