Suddenly! INS is out of the Nuggets, Westbrook is really going to leave, where will the free market go?

After the free market opened in 2025, veteran Russell Westbrook, who has been fighting for the NBA for 17 years, is still unemployed, and his social media updates have once again sparked heated discussions - Westbrook unfollowed the Nuggets on Instagram, and currently only retains the attention of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This move was interpreted by the outside world as a signal that his relationship with the Nuggets had broken down, and also made fans speculate whether he was considering returning to the Thunder to retire.

Previously, Westbrook chose to refuse to execute the 2025-26 season's player option and became a full free agent.

Last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in the Nuggets, with shooting percentages of 41.2%, 28.6%, and 76.9% respectively in the three categories. Although the data is acceptable, the team is more inclined to train young players and eventually choose to trade to Cameron Johnson and sign Bruce Brown, which means Westbrook's role in the Nuggets has been replaced.

Westbrook's operations on Instagram have sparked heated discussions - he not only canceled the Nuggets, but also canceled all teams he had played for (Lakes, Clippers, Rockets, Wizards), but he retained the Thunder. This move has left fans wondering whether he is considering returning to Russia to end his career as a Thunder player.

The Thunder's current lineup is young and competitive. If Westbrook is willing to accept the role of substitute, it is not impossible to return. However, Thunder management has not expressed clear interest yet, and Westbrook himself has not made any public statement.

At present, the Kings, Heat and other teams have been exposed to be interested in Westbrook, but no official quotes are provided. Westbrook's high usage rate, inefficient projection and defensive decline have discouraged many championship teams. If he cannot get an ideal contract, he may face the option of joining the playoff team at a minimum salary or retiring directly.

Looking back at Westbrook's entire career, it's pretty good, but he was too wandering in the later stages. Now, the 37-year-old Westbrook is standing at the intersection of his career, and his next stop will determine the final chapter of the legendary point guard.