2026 NBA Season

[fullfitlarry]

I wouldn't expect NBA stars to come to Europe and play basketball. Rotation players, or those who haven't quite reached their full potential, return to Europe and play in the Euroleague with the capacity to lead their team to a championship. But we've never seen a player like Westbrook return to Europe.

I didn’t see any rumor about that, at least not from the sources I follow.

But looking at his numbers last season, around 15 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists, it’s surprising that no team seems interested yet.

I think he may even be willing to accept a veteran minimum just to stay in the league. At that price, it feels like a low-risk signing for any team that needs another ball handler. Unless teams believe those stats no longer translate to real impact, or there are other concerns we don’t

Yes, he could still be a good addition to any team, and if ever there will be some offers, he might be willing to accept that so that he will have team. Maybe just another year contract will be enough for him to proved that he still belongs to NBA.

Otherwise, if there are no options and there might be offer for him to play in Europe for a good money, then maybe he will go there for playing time and experience. Still though, we want him to be in the NBA as he is still electrifying. He might not have the athleticism as before. But he can be a help to any team.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I've read that Russell Westbrook is struggling to find a new team for himself these days. And the there is some interest rising for him from Euroleague teams according to my source.

_{Source: https://basketnews.com/news-252761-russell-westbrook-is-reportedly-drawing-interest-from-euroleague-teams.html}

He is 37 now. His statistics have been on the decline in the recent years which is natural. Even his last team Sacramento Kings doesn't want him anymore I guess...

In the previous years a Euroleague team got interested in him again but he didn't want to leave the USA. Do you think he'd consider it seriously now? 

If he can't sign with an NBA team this year, then I think it's time for him to retire. Like you said, he's already 37 years old. Although I think he had a decent season with the Sacramento Kings, I'm sure most NBA teams feel that he's no longer the player he used to be.

Yes, but still he is putting a decent numbers with the Kings. And probably the best contribution he can give to a team is his presence and experience. He might guide some rookie along the way if the teams that are going to acquire him had some.

If a EuroLeague team offers him a good contract, then maybe he'll consider accepting it. Otherwise, retirement is probably his best option. At this point, he can just enjoy the money he's already earned throughout his career.

That is also possible, his name along will be a big positive for teams in Euroleague as he can fill the arena as they want to watch him play in their league. So I guess he can still have a good career outside if he chooses to.

[püsür]

I've read that Russell Westbrook is struggling to find a new team for himself these days. And the there is some interest rising for him from Euroleague teams according to my source.

_{Source: https://basketnews.com/news-252761-russell-westbrook-is-reportedly-drawing-interest-from-euroleague-teams.html}

He is 37 now. His statistics have been on the decline in the recent years which is natural. Even his last team Sacramento Kings doesn't want him anymore I guess...

In the previous years a Euroleague team got interested in him again but he didn't want to leave the USA. Do you think he'd consider it seriously now? 

Well, that's because he doesn't have minutes anymore. Playing time is what made him more dangerous back in the day, and now that he is not the main focus of a team, the stats will definitely decline.

25-26 Kings - 64 games played, 29 mpg, 15 ppg, 5 reb, 6 ast. It's not actually that bad. If he is playing the second stringers, he will contribute more than putting some new guy to lead them. He might need to wait before deciding to go to the Euroleague. Some teams are just fixing their main roster first before signing players for the second stringers.

He is gonna be 38 in four months. I am surprised actually he averaged that many minutes. Also still solid points average. He is/was a great player but maybe what he brings to the table is less than his worth. Teams obviously don't want him so much. If he was actually still valuable, someone would sign him already. Maybe he doesn't want to go to europe to live but basketball-wise he could be very good over there. He could accomplish great things. But it must be hard for these americans to change continents and lifestyles like that. European teams might want him a lot but I don't think he would want to go.

[Shinpako09]

Yes, but still he is putting a decent numbers with the Kings. And probably the best contribution he can give to a team is his presence and experience. He might guide some rookie along the way if the teams that are going to acquire him had some.

I'd take Westbrook over Podz any day for almost the same salary, but I don't think the Warriors front office would want him over Podz. Westbrook may have lost his prime, but for a vet minimum, I think he's still worth it considering his average PPG last season. He's still a good second-unit player for me, and he still drives merchandise sales. With that, I'd rather have him than bench players who get little to no playing time with low merchandise sales for almost the same salary. But if ever, the Warriors would look like home for aging stars. Lol.

I hope he still gets a team next season. Just like other NBA players who are past their prime, I think a guy like Westbrook would choose to stay in the NBA on a vet minimum rather than play overseas.

[tech30338]

Yes, but still he is putting a decent numbers with the Kings. And probably the best contribution he can give to a team is his presence and experience. He might guide some rookie along the way if the teams that are going to acquire him had some.

I'd take Westbrook over Podz any day for almost the same salary, but I don't think the Warriors front office would want him over Podz. Westbrook may have lost his prime, but for a vet minimum, I think he's still worth it considering his average PPG last season. He's still a good second-unit player for me, and he still drives merchandise sales. With that, I'd rather have him than bench players who get little to no playing time with low merchandise sales for almost the same salary. But if ever, the Warriors would look like home for aging stars. Lol.

I hope he still gets a team next season. Just like other NBA players who are past their prime, I think a guy like Westbrook would choose to stay in the NBA on a vet minimum rather than play overseas.

The problem here is the coaching staff kerr will sit him for sure and favor podz kerr is notorious for sitting players if he dont like the player, just like kumingga.
Also are they going to compete this season they seem not doing lots of trade after lebron james sign of the sixers

[Maslate]

Yes, but still he is putting a decent numbers with the Kings. And probably the best contribution he can give to a team is his presence and experience. He might guide some rookie along the way if the teams that are going to acquire him had some.

I'd take Westbrook over Podz any day for almost the same salary, but I don't think the Warriors front office would want him over Podz.

I'd lean Pods over Westbrook, especially if it's basically the same salary. Pods feels more like a team fit. Westbrook's energy is there, sure, but sometimes it feels out of sync, like off timing or forcing shots. Pods is more steady, more of a shooter.

Westbrook may have lost his prime, but for a vet minimum, I think he's still worth it considering his average PPG last season. He's still a good second-unit player for me, and he still drives merchandise sales. With that, I'd rather have him than bench players who get little to no playing time with low merchandise sales for almost the same salary. But if ever, the Warriors would look like home for aging stars. Lol.

I hope he still gets a team next season. Just like other NBA players who are past their prime, I think a guy like Westbrook would choose to stay in the NBA on a vet minimum rather than play overseas.

Just checking his PPG isn't enough. I'm not really sure about his overall impact on a team right now. He's been on a lot of teams already like Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets... and now he's still looking for his next team. That kind of says something. If he was still a big difference maker, teams would probably try harder to keep him. He already has an MVP, broke a lot of records, and made plenty of money. The only thing missing is a ring. If he still wants to play, maybe his best shot is taking a smaller role on a real contender. But honestly, who knows if he'll even get signed before the season. If not, retirement wouldn't be shocking.

[freedomgo]

I'd lean Pods over Westbrook, especially if it's basically the same salary.

I lean Pods over Westbrook, too.

Pods really contributed last season. Didn't dive deep into all the stats, but from watching, he looks like a deadly shooter. In terms of age, he's way younger. Westbrook's around 10 years older and closer to retirement. Pods is still on his rookie deal. and can still be developed. They even started him in a few games and he held his own. He's not a big name yet, but he doesn't really play like a nobody.

[OgNasty]

I'd lean Pods over Westbrook, especially if it's basically the same salary.

I lean Pods over Westbrook, too.

Pods really contributed last season. Didn't dive deep into all the stats, but from watching, he looks like a deadly shooter. In terms of age, he's way younger. Westbrook's around 10 years older and closer to retirement. Pods is still on his rookie deal. and can still be developed. They even started him in a few games and he held his own. He's not a big name yet, but he doesn't really play like a nobody.

I think it depends if you’re trying to win games or put fans in the seats. Westbrook is obviously a much bigger draw than Pods, but he is also much older and much more likely to make bad decisions on the court. Still, the NBA is a business and if you aren’t a competitor, Westbrook makes a lot of sense.

[mirakal]

I think it depends if you’re trying to win games or put fans in the seats. Westbrook is obviously a much bigger draw than Pods, but he is also much older and much more likely to make bad decisions on the court. Still, the NBA is a business and if you aren’t a competitor, Westbrook makes a lot of sense.

Westbrook may be good for the business side because he is still a popular name and can bring more attention to the Warriors. But the Warriors already have enough star power and popularity. At this point, winning should be more important than adding another famous player. So the real question is not whether Westbrook can bring hype, but whether he can actually help the team win. If they have to give up Podziemski just for popularity, I don’t think that would be worth it.

[OgNasty]

I think it depends if you’re trying to win games or put fans in the seats. Westbrook is obviously a much bigger draw than Pods, but he is also much older and much more likely to make bad decisions on the court. Still, the NBA is a business and if you aren’t a competitor, Westbrook makes a lot of sense.

Westbrook may be good for the business side because he is still a popular name and can bring more attention to the Warriors. But the Warriors already have enough star power and popularity. At this point, winning should be more important than adding another famous player. So the real question is not whether Westbrook can bring hype, but whether he can actually help the team win. If they have to give up Podziemski just for popularity, I don’t think that would be worth it.

I don’t think the Warriors would even let him on the team for free. They play great basketball and would have very little patience for some of Westbrook’s antics. He makes terrible decisions in crunch time and I think the Warriors would all be shocked seeing his low IQ on the court.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I think it depends if you’re trying to win games or put fans in the seats. Westbrook is obviously a much bigger draw than Pods, but he is also much older and much more likely to make bad decisions on the court. Still, the NBA is a business and if you aren’t a competitor, Westbrook makes a lot of sense.

Westbrook may be good for the business side because he is still a popular name and can bring more attention to the Warriors. But the Warriors already have enough star power and popularity. At this point, winning should be more important than adding another famous player. So the real question is not whether Westbrook can bring hype, but whether he can actually help the team win. If they have to give up Podziemski just for popularity, I don’t think that would be worth it.

They are prepared to pay Pods 25 mil per season with his new contract, so I don't ever think they would give him up for a washed has been like Westbrook. They don't need him, and especially Kerr doesn't need him since he is pretty clear about what the team is supposed to do in any situation. Somebody like Russell often tends to go his own way on the court, which would not go well with the coaching staff at the GSW.
In my opinion Westbrook should just hang it up instead of chasing whatever. He has a lot of legacy, so why push it longer than necessary.

[tech30338]

I think it depends if you’re trying to win games or put fans in the seats. Westbrook is obviously a much bigger draw than Pods, but he is also much older and much more likely to make bad decisions on the court. Still, the NBA is a business and if you aren’t a competitor, Westbrook makes a lot of sense.

Westbrook may be good for the business side because he is still a popular name and can bring more attention to the Warriors. But the Warriors already have enough star power and popularity. At this point, winning should be more important than adding another famous player. So the real question is not whether Westbrook can bring hype, but whether he can actually help the team win. If they have to give up Podziemski just for popularity, I don’t think that would be worth it.

They are prepared to pay Pods 25 mil per season with his new contract, so I don't ever think they would give him up for a washed has been like Westbrook. They don't need him, and especially Kerr doesn't need him since he is pretty clear about what the team is supposed to do in any situation. Somebody like Russell often tends to go his own way on the court, which would not go well with the coaching staff at the GSW.
In my opinion Westbrook should just hang it up instead of chasing whatever. He has a lot of legacy, so why push it longer than necessary.

There is two option if no one will get westbrook to play in the nba he would retire or play overseas this options is available because some teams want him or add value to the team like coaching young players, but in my mond i think his career is not over yet they just need to give him playing time.

[danherbias07]

I'd lean Pods over Westbrook, especially if it's basically the same salary.

I lean Pods over Westbrook, too.

Pods really contributed last season. Didn't dive deep into all the stats, but from watching, he looks like a deadly shooter. In terms of age, he's way younger. Westbrook's around 10 years older and closer to retirement. Pods is still on his rookie deal. and can still be developed. They even started him in a few games and he held his own. He's not a big name yet, but he doesn't really play like a nobody.

Same for me. I believe the Warriors are really trying to develop Podziemski, and if they want to keep on doing that, he must always lead the 2nd team for them. Well, if they sign Westbrook, they could still use him as a veteran player who could teach Podziemski many things while playing with him. I mean, I do believe that WB will accept any offer now as long as it is decent.

I hear that the Houston Rockets are the ones who are interested in taking Westbrook. Yes, playing again with his long-time teammate Kevin Durant. They had their beef, but I think it will be gone once they are on the same team again.

[LogitechMouse]

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I'd take Westbrook over Podz any day for almost the same salary, but I don't think the Warriors front office would want him over Podz. Westbrook may have lost his prime, but for a vet minimum, I think he's still worth it considering his average PPG last season. He's still a good second-unit player for me, and he still drives merchandise sales. With that, I'd rather have him than bench players who get little to no playing time with low merchandise sales for almost the same salary. But if ever, the Warriors would look like home for aging stars. Lol.

I hope he still gets a team next season. Just like other NBA players who are past their prime, I think a guy like Westbrook would choose to stay in the NBA on a vet minimum rather than play overseas.

That's your opinion, and I respect that.
However, the Warriors will not choose a post-prime Westbrook over a prime Podz. Sorry, but I might be against your opinion for some reasons.

One, Westbrook is the type of player whom you can't rely on Defense. On the flip side, there was one season where Podz is top 1 in terms of charges (offensive fouls on opposing team). Second, I don't want to include the age, but with how significant the age gap is between the two of them, I would still take Podz because he still has more upside than a post-prime Brody. Third, if you will ask those 30 GMs out there, they will take Podz over Westbrook. Nobody in the NBA wants him anymore and that's the reason why up until now, there are no phone calls for him. As for merchandise sales, I don't think that he's still that popular, and if I'm a fan, I would rather take ANT's jersey over him. No offense.

Like you though, I'm also hoping that there will be a team where they'll be offering him a veteran minimum contract or even a non-guaranteed deal, but if I'm Brody, if the offer overseas is higher than that of the veteran minimum in the NBA, I'll take it. The problem with Westbrook is that, he's prideful, and we saw that during his stint with the Nuggets where he asked for a much higher salary, and the Nuggets said no and they just let him walk and become a free agent.