Westbrook’s career has bridged MVP peak: a standout run that included an MVP season, followed by years of roles on several teams. The 2008 draftee was selected fourth overall by Seattle and spent 11 memorable years with the Oklahoma City Thunder before stints with the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Kings.
In his latest campaign, Westbrook appeared in 64 games for Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game as the Kings finished the regular season with 22 wins. He signed a one-year, $3.63 million contract with Sacramento last October after declining his player option with the Nuggets.
A core message Westbrook conveyed was that he wants to be on a team that actively desires him. He stressed that being wanted—along with having fun and enjoying the game—could be more important than merely chasing a championship, noting that even with contending teams, things don’t always work out.
Westbrook is among the last six remaining players from the 2008 NBA Draft, a group that includes Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, Nicolas Batum, and DeAndre Jordan. If he returns for another season, he would be among players who have reached 19 NBA seasons, joining a list that includes Tim Duncan, John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Carmelo Anthony.
As Westbrook weighs his next move, his stated preference centers on fit and being wanted, rather than a fixed pursuit of titles. With one more potential chapter ahead, the quality of that fit may determine whether he extends a 19th season in the NBA.
