Russell Westbrook’s decline from NBA centerpiece to free-agent afterthought could take him outside the league—and the Western hemisphere—entirely.
The former Lakers guard has been linked to Hapoel Tel Aviv as he searches for another opportunity entering his 19th professional season. Marc Jacobs reported that Westbrook and the Israeli club have mutual interest, with discussions continuing to progress.
The Jerusalem Post subsequently described the negotiations as advanced, writing that Westbrook is seriously considering the first overseas move of his career. Landing the former MVP would represent one of the most significant acquisitions in European basketball history.
Russell Westbrook looks on during the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest as part of the 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (2026 NBAE) NBAE via Getty Images
There is reason to pump the brakes, however.
ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel disputed the report, saying he contacted people with multiple NBA organizations and none had heard that Westbrook was discussing a deal with Hapoel.
That does not conclusively eliminate the possibility of direct conversations with the EuroLeague club, but it leaves the reported negotiations—and their seriousness—unconfirmed. No agreement has been officially announced.
The mere plausibility of an overseas move illustrates how dramatically Westbrook’s standing has changed.
Los Angeles acquired him in 2021 to form a superstar trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Five years later, the 37-year-old is waiting for an NBA team to offer him even a rotational role.
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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook grabs his neck after he is knocked to the floor in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (JASON SZENES) JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Westbrook encountered a similarly quiet market last offseason before signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract with Sacramento shortly before opening night. He remained productive, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 64 appearances.
Those numbers suggest Westbrook can still contribute. The larger question is whether teams believe his playmaking and relentless pace outweigh his inconsistent shooting, need for possession and sometimes difficult roster fit.
Since leaving Oklahoma City in 2019, Westbrook has played for Houston, Washington, the Lakers, Clippers, Denver and Sacramento. The NBA’s career triple-double leader has gone from perennial All-Star to annual late-summer roster search.
Joining Hapoel would not diminish Westbrook’s Hall of Fame résumé, and it could provide a larger role on a prominent EuroLeague team. Still, the prospect of an NBA 75th Anniversary Team member leaving the league because no compelling domestic opportunity emerged would complete a remarkable fall.
For now, the destination remains uncertain—even if Westbrook’s shrinking NBA market does not.
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