Denver Nuggets Veteran Reserve Guard Russell Westbrook is falling his player option of $ 3.46 million for next season to become an unlimited free agent on 30 June, according to reports.
Russell Westbrook Daling Options Benefits Nuggets Financial
The Nuggets now have flexibility to use the $ 5.7 million tax on the middle level, because they are $ 10.6 million below the second apron for next season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
For a fourth consecutive season, Denver is expected to become a luxury tax team. Because Denver is a repeater tax team (four years in a row), the current luxury tax penalty is a franchise-high $ 36 million before the schedule has been filled in.
But Westbrook who refuses his players’ option gives the nuggets some savings. Dario Saric also has until 29 June to register for his $ 5.42 million contract for next season, per spotrac.
Westbrook, which turns 37 in November, signed at Denver last July. In 75 games (36 Starts) this season he had an average career-bearing 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 27.9 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard also shot 44.9% from the field, 32.3% from 3-point range and 66.1% in the free saucepin. His player efficiency (14.3) was also a career low.
Westbrook underwent surgery on his right hand
Westbrook underwent an operation on his right hand last month to repair multiple ligament tears, the team announced. The dual NBA-scoring champion had also taken a few fingers heavily during the Nuggets play-off run.
However, Westbrook stated in his personal newsletter that he was undergoing an operation to “resolve two breaks that took place during the season.” He is expected to resume full training outside season this summer after the procedure.
“This morning I will be an operation on my right hand to repair two breaks that took place during the season,” wrote Westbrook. “I am grateful for everyone’s support all year round and I can’t wait to be 100% back soon. The comeback is already moving.”
In 1,237 NBA career matches in the regular season (1,075 starts), Westbrook has an average of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.6 steals with the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets.
According to basketball reference, Westbrook is the career rail leader of the NBA of all time in Triple-Doubles (203) and is in eighth place in the competition history in Assists (9,925) and 23rd in points (26,205).
However, the 17-year-old veteran is still looking for his first NBA championship.
