NBA Play-In Team Emerges as Favorite to Land Russell Westbrook

NBA Play-In Team Emerges as Favorite to Land Russell Westbrook originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

One of the most talked-about names this NBA offseason is none other than Russell Westbrook. At 36, the former MVP is still looking to prove he’s got plenty left in the tank and he’s not short on interest either.

A number of teams have been linked to him, but one squad in particular seems to be pulling ahead in the race. According to the latest odds, a play-in team from last season has emerged as the frontrunner to land him.

According to the odds at Bovada, the Sacramento Kings (+150) are the betting favorite to land Westbrook, followed by the New York Knicks (+350) and Milwaukee Bucks (+400). 

The Sacramento Kings are the favorites to win the Russell Westbrook sweepstakes, per @BovadaOfficial

Sacramento Kings +150
New York Knicks +350
Milwaukee Bucks +400
Miami Heat +600
Dallas Mavericks +800
New Orleans Pelicans +900
Minnesota Timberwolves +1000 pic.twitter.com/3XDNImHZAU

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 26, 2025

So far, no team has taken the plunge on bringing Westbrook in for next season. He put up 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game with the Nuggets last year and seemed to gel well with Nikola Jokic. 

But while the numbers look solid, they don’t tell the whole story. Westbrook still has those bursts of electric energy and highlight plays, but they’re often paired with puzzling decisions that can swing games the wrong way.

Westbrook declined his $3.5 million player option, and the Nuggets then chose to move in a different direction. 

One team that’s shown real interest is the Kings. They finished ninth in the West last season and lost in the play-in tournament. A veteran like Westbrook might be exactly the kind of spark they’re looking for as they try to climb higher.

Related: Russell Westbrook Sends Angel Reese Message on Wednesday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.