Russell Westbrook on why Denver didn’t re-sign him

Russell Westbrook he didn’t mince words when explaining his departure from Denver after returning Monday night to the Ball Arena as a member of the Sacramento Kings. What was once considered mutual maybe it was actually the complete opposite.

“The truth is they didn’t want me back,” Westbrook said, via Bennett Durand of the Denver Post . “It’s not up to me. God always has a plan; be patient. It’s not up to me. They don’t want me, that’s okay. Someone else will.”

Before the season started, Westbrook had a $3.5 million player option that he could sign. But according to him, Denver Nuggets the front office encouraged him not to sign it.

“They told me not to go. I’m not going anywhere they don’t want me. I don’t need it,” Westbrook continued.

Russell Westbrook gets a warm welcome at the Ball Arena

Before the postgame questions about his awkward outing, Westbrook received a warm welcome from Denver fans during Game 1. During the timeout, the highlight film of Westbrook’s one season with the Nuggets was shown. The fans rose to their feet and applauded him.

Russell Westbrook received a standing ovation from Nuggets fans upon his return to Denver 🔊

(via @MileHighRachel) pic.twitter.com/ApV2esKsv55

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 4, 2025

“The fans, I mean, since I’ve been here, they’ve been great,” Westbrook said after the game. “They always gave me a lot of energy. I gave them the same. I went out, competed at a high level every night. I was grateful for the standing ovation, so I appreciate that.”

Before tip-off, Nuggets head coach David Adelman showered Westbrook with praise. Although Westbrook was only in Denver for one season, his influence was considerable.

“(He was) a big part of why we won the first round last year against the Clippers. A huge part of some of the defensive things we were able to do against OKC (in the playoffs),” Adelman said of Westbrook. “So it’s really cool to see Russ get picked up, and just to see how long he’s had and what he’s done in this incredible, magical career that he’s had. So he should be in the NBA. It’s good to see him compete.”

The Nuggets would end up defeating the Kings 130-124. However, Westbrook led Sacramento in scoring, posting 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists while shooting 10-of-17 from the field.