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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings smiles during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on March 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and\/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Russell Westbrook has had a decorated NBA<\/a> career. Playing 18 total seasons, for seven different teams, the multi-faceted guard is currently on the outside of the league looking in.<\/p>\n Westbrook is currently a free agent. While there have been multiple rumors on what team he\u2019ll suit up for next<\/a>, Westbrook remains without a contract to play in the NBA in 2026-27. He spent last season with the Sacramento Kings<\/a>, playing on a one-year, $3.6 million contract.<\/p>\n Russell Westbrook Shares Feelings on Being NBA Free Agent<\/p>\n The UCLA product hasn\u2019t just sat around though waiting for the phone to ring. He\u2019s occupied his time in an extremely positive way. Westbrook recently sat down with CNN\u2019s Elex Michaelson<\/a> to break down his work in the community outside of basketball as well as how he feels still being a free agent from the game he loves.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think about it honestly. I love playing basketball and if it happens, it works and that\u2019s my plan,\u201d Westbrook said.<\/p>\n .@russwest44<\/a> is using his talents on the court to lift up his community off the court. <\/p>\n His foundation, school, fashion line, and multiple business investments all have the same goal: to impact and inspire those often overlooked & underestimated. <\/p>\n Profile via @CNNTheStoryIs<\/a> <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n First and foremost, Westbrook discussed his work in and around the Los Angeles community. Growing up in Long Beach, California, Westbrook has made it a point to give back to the community that raised him.<\/p>\n He founded the Why Not? Foundation in 2012 to help empower and educate underprivileged kids. He\u2019s run free basketball camps, provided meals for numerous families, and he\u2019s helped educate the youth through specialized school programs.<\/p>\n On his foundation\u2019s homepage, front-and-center, is their mantra. This is Westbrook\u2019s, the founder of the Why Not? Foundation, message to the underappreciated youth of today.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Why Not\u2019 is a mantra of empowerment that inspires confidence and resilience. Through education, training, and advocacy, we champion underserved communities and set youths and adults up for paths of success.\u201d<\/p>\n Westbrook Seeks Next NBA Contract<\/p>\n While Westbrook is certainly doing a lot of good in the community, the focus also remains landing another NBA contract. Westbrook took his free agency late into the offseason last year, signing that one-year-deal with the Kings.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not the only big name, free agent still available on the market. The likes of James Harden, Jonathan Kuminga, Peyton Watson, DeMar DeRozan, and Bradley Beal are also seeking their next contract.<\/p>\n Time will tell if and when Westbrook\u2019s NBA career will continue. He may not be considered the best player available on the market, but he\u2019s assuredly one of the most decorated. Westbrook stands atop the list of all-time career triple-doubles (209). He\u2019ll look to retain that lead, as he\u2019s only 11 triple-doubles ahead of Nikola Jokic (198).<\/p>\n Oscar Robertson still sits third on the all-time triple-doubles list (181). Westbrook, Jokic, and Robertson are also the only players in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season.<\/p>\n Last season, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game in 64 total games played for the Kings. They are reportedly the current frontrunner to sign Westbrook. The question in the public eye is if Westbrook will be willing to accept a reduced role behind this year\u2019s first-round pick by the Kings, Darius Acuff Jr. Acuff Jr. was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tDave Ettinger<\/a> Dave Ettinger is a veteran sports writer, covering breaking and trending news across the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. With over 10 years of experience in sports media, Dave\u2019s versatility extends to television, radio, and journalism. More about Dave Ettinger<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \t