Reviews linking Russell Westbrook with a transfer to Hapoel Tel Aviv have been strongly denied, with a supply near the veteran guard describing the story as “laughably false,” based on Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Westbrook has not thought of leaving the NBA and stays targeted on persevering with his profession within the league.
The rumor surfaced Sunday, August 9, when Marc Jacobs claimed on social media that Westbrook and Hapoel Tel Aviv had “mutual curiosity” and that discussions have been increasing. The submit additionally alleged that the nine-time All-Star was significantly contemplating enjoying abroad for the primary time.
Stein’s report immediately disputes that account. A supply near Westbrook advised The Stein Line that the concept of him discussing a transfer to Hapoel was “laughably false,” whereas the 37-year-old guard has not thought of leaving the NBA after 18 seasons.
The clarification comes as Westbrook evaluates his free-agent choices after spending the 2025-26 season with the Sacramento Kings. He performed 64 video games, beginning 58, and averaged 15.2 factors, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per sport.
Westbrook’s playmaking remained his most vital statistical contribution. His 34.3% help share ranked eleventh within the NBA, whereas his 33.8% three-point capturing was his greatest mark because the 2022-23 season.
Sacramento is among the many groups that would deliver Westbrook again. Jake Fischer beforehand reported that the Kings are considering a reunion whereas additionally evaluating veteran guard Victor Oladipo as they construct round No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr.
The Kings completed 22-60, 14th within the Western Convention, and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Westbrook might present a veteran ballhandler alongside Acuff whereas permitting the rookie to develop with out carrying the complete burden of initiating Sacramento’s offense.
Westbrook has additionally made clear that he’s not approaching free company with a predetermined vacation spot. “I don’t give it some thought actually. I really like enjoying basketball and if it occurs, it really works and that’s my plan,” Westbrook said when discussing his standing.
The previous MVP, nine-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion and three-time assists chief has averaged 20.9 factors, 8.0 assists and 6.9 rebounds over 1,301 regular-season video games in his profession.
Interest from EuroLeague clubs has been reported previously, together with Hapoel, Panathinaikos and Dubai Basketball. Nonetheless, these stories involved potential curiosity quite than a confirmed determination by Westbrook to depart the NBA, and the most recent info from a supply near him particularly rejects the Hapoel declare.
