Ex-Celtics Player Reacts to Major Russell Westbrook News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook just completed his 17th season and first with the Denver Nuggets. Now 36 years old, Westbrook is no longer the player he was during his prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but is still coming off a strong season.
In 75 games (36 starts) this season, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 44.9% from the field. While he played through a fractured hand in the postseason, Westbrook was integral in Denver’s seven-game first round victory over the LA Clippers in which he averaged 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals.
Owning a $3.5 million option for the 2025-26 NBA season, Westbrook has reportedly declined that option and will enter free agency (via ESPN). This does not mean Westbrook will leave the Nuggets, but it does give him the opportunity to test free agency.
Following Westbrook’s major contract move, NBA legend Stephen Marbury shared his thoughts with a one-word message.
“Good,” he commented on ESPN’s Instagram post.
After a five-year run with the New York Knicks, Marbury spent the final season of his 13-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics. In that season (2008-09), he appeared in 23 games (four starts) and averaged 3.8 points.
While this one-word message from Marbury did not come with much context, it seems he feels Westbrook is worth more than the $3.5 million he turned down. A now expired Instagram story from Marbury suggested this, as he stated Westbrook is worth more money than he was set to make in Denver.
Related: Nuggets Predicted to Land Celtics Star After Russell Westbrook News
Related: Russell Westbrook, Celtics Report Surfaces After Major Career Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
