Heading into the offseason, the point guard position will be a key area of need for the Dallas Mavericks. Amid recent developments, they have been tossed out as a possible landing spot for an impending free agent.
On Friday morning, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on the future of Russell Westbrook. Following a one-year stint with the Denver Nuggets, the former MVP plans on declining his player option for 2026 and becoming an unrestricted free agent.
The days of being a superstar are behind him, but Westbrook has managed to care out a role for himself as a do-it-all energy guy in the backcourt. For the Nuggets this season, he averaged 13.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 6.1 APG.
Westbrook had until June 29 to make the decision on his $3.5 million player option for next season and will now proceed to free agency after averaging 13 PPG/5 RPG/6 APG in his first season with the Nuggets.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 13, 2025
📸: @DNVR_Nuggets https://t.co/0VqnC5Wtzp
Following the news of Westbrook's free agency, Adam Wells of Bleacher Report put together a shortlist of possible teams that could sign the former All-Star. Among those mentioned was the Mavericks.
If Irving remains on track to return in January, adding Westbrook as a short-term starting point guard before shifting him to the bench wouldn't be a bad use of resources for the Mavericks assuming they could sign him for the minimum.
Seeing that Irving is going to miss a good portion of next season, Westbrook is someone Dallas could consider. Though the fit isn't seamless, he is capable of running an offense and keeping those around him involved. Plus, he has some connection with Anthony Davis from their time on the LA Lakers.
Between his durability and playmaking capabilities, Westbrook could end up being one of the better options for the Mavs as they attempt to stay afloat in the backcourt until Irving is able to return.