Russell Westbrook’s next basketball chapter might be written far from the NBA hardwood. According to multiple reports, the Chinese Basketball Association’s Xinjiang Flying Tigers are actively pursuing the former MVP, offering him a starring role and a fresh start overseas.
Westbrook, currently a free agent, has yet to secure a deal for the upcoming NBA season. While teams like the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors have been loosely linked to him, none have made a definitive move. That hesitation has opened the door for Xinjiang, a CBA powerhouse known for recruiting high-profile international talent.
The appeal is clear: in China, Westbrook would be handed the keys to the offense, given full creative control, and likely receive a lucrative short-term contract with an NBA opt-out clause. For a player who thrives on rhythm, volume, and leadership, the opportunity to dominate nightly and reset his market perception could be ideal.
Westbrook’s 2024–25 season with the Denver Nuggets showed he still has plenty left in the tank. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while maintaining his trademark energy and rim pressure. Though no longer the triple-double machine of his prime, he remains a disruptive force capable of changing the tempo and tone of any game.
The timing of Xinjiang’s interest is strategic. With NBA teams hesitant to commit and Westbrook reportedly prioritizing fit and role over salary, the CBA offers a compelling alternative. A short stint in China could keep him active, visible, and in control of his narrative, especially if NBA opportunities resurface midseason.
Veteran guard Patrick Beverley recently called it “disrespectful” that Westbrook remains unsigned, echoing the sentiment of many fans who believe his experience and intensity still belong in the league.
