Denver Nuggets veteran reserve guard Russell Westbrook is declining his $3.46 million participant possibility for subsequent season to change into an unrestricted free agent on June 30, in accordance with studies.
Russell Westbrook Declining Choice Advantages Nuggets Financially
The Nuggets now have flexibility to make use of the $5.7 million tax mid-level exception since they’re $10.6 million under the second apron for subsequent season, in accordance with ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
For a fourth straight season, Denver is projected to be a luxurious tax group. As a result of Denver is a repeater tax group (4 years in a row), its present luxurious tax penalty earlier than its roster is crammed out is a franchise-high $36 million.
However Westbrook declining his participant possibility offers the Nuggets some financial savings. Dario Saric additionally has till June 29 to choose in to his $5.42 million contract for subsequent season, per Spotrac.
Westbrook, who turns 37 this November, signed with Denver final July. In 75 video games (36 begins) this season, he averaged a career-low 13.3 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 27.9 minutes per contest.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard additionally shot 44.9% from the sphere, 32.3% from 3-point vary, and 66.1% on the free throw line. His participant effectivity ranking (14.3) was a profession low as nicely.
Westbrook Underwent Surgical procedure On His Proper Hand
Westbrook underwent surgical procedure on his proper hand final month to restore a number of ligament tears, the group introduced. The 2-time NBA scoring champ additionally had a couple of fingers closely taped through the Nuggets playoff run.
Nonetheless, Westbrook said in his private e-newsletter that he was having surgical procedure to repair “two breaks that occurred through the season.” He’s anticipated to renew full offseason coaching this summer time following the process.
“This morning, I’m present process surgical procedure on my proper hand to repair two breaks that occurred through the season,” Westbrook wrote. “I’m grateful for everybody’s assist all yr and I can’t wait to be again on the market at 100% quickly. The comeback is already in movement.”
In 1,237 NBA profession regular-season video games (1,075 begins), Westbrook has averaged 21.2 factors, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.6 steals with the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets.
In line with Basketball Reference, Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time profession chief in triple-doubles (203) and ranks eighth in league historical past in assists (9,925) and twenty third in factors (26,205).
Nonetheless, the 17-year veteran continues to be searching for his first NBA championship.
