NBA : for the first time, Russell Westbrook could be eyeing a career away from the United States
For almost 20 years, there was never any real doubt. Wherever Russell Westbrook went, a spot in the NBA always seemed to be waiting for him. Now the picture has changed. At 37, the former MVP is no longer drowning in offers, and the idea of a move to the EuroLeague has never looked more realistic.
The irony is that the point guard is coming off a season that was anything but minor with Sacramento. Steady throughout the campaign, he still posted strong numbers and played a key role in helping the younger players develop. But even that may no longer be enough to convince NBA teams to give him another shot.
Europe is watching closely
That lack of interest naturally opens the door for other suitors. Several major EuroLeague clubs are monitoring Russell Westbrook’s situation closely, including Panathinaikos and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Other ambitious projects, such as Dubai, are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation while they wait to see what the player wants to do.
So far, Westbrook has always preferred the NBA, even when his name was already being linked with Europe. This time, though, the context is different. The weeks are ticking by, the options are drying up, and the idea of a new league could slowly gain traction if no worthwhile offer comes from North America.
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A decision that would close one chapter
Taken fourth in the 2008 Draft, Russell Westbrook belongs to a generation that left a huge mark on the NBA. MVP in 2017, the all-time triple-double king for several seasons and a defining figure for the Thunder, he built most of his career without ever seriously imagining life anywhere but the big league.
Signing in the EuroLeague would obviously not erase his legacy. But it would signal a major turning point in an extraordinary career. For the first time, the former MVP is no longer asking which NBA team suits him best. He now has to ask where he can simply keep playing at the highest level.
One thing is certain: don’t expect a quick decision. Last year, Russell Westbrook did not join the Sacramento Kings until just days before the start of the regular season, with training camp already under way. If history repeats itself, we may have to wait several more weeks to learn the former MVP’s next destination.
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