As the offseason approaches September, many find themselves wondering what the playing future of former OKC Thunder cornerstone Russell Westbrook will look like.
Though there have been whispers of a possible interest in his services from clubs like the Sacramento Kings, to this point, the former MVP finds himself still readily available on the open market with training camps just over a month away from opening.
His lack of commitment to this coming campaign has become so curious, in fact, that some are now discussing the possibility of Westbrook retiring from the game entirely, a route that, if embarked on, should have the Thunder interested in pursuing an honorary, one-day contract.
However, The Athletic's Sam Vecenie seems to believe that offers could eventually be coming the point guard's way... if he remains patient enough.
Former Thunder star Russell Westbrook could sign in-season contract
During a recent edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Vecenie discussed the idea of Westbrook standing pat and bypassing involvement in training camps, while still having an aim to play in 2025-26.
The proposed concept would have the veteran wait until sometime in, say, November, where perhaps a title contender sees one of their rotation players sustain an injury or simply show signs of falling short of early expectations.
It's in these particular situations where someone like Westbrook could be viewed as a bargain addition.
Despite the fact that he's no longer his perennial All-Star self and will be turning 37 in the coming months, The Brodie still has gas left in his tank to help provide quality production for a championship hopeful.
He proved this just this past season, where he saw 75 games of action for the Denver Nuggets, primarily playing a reserve role while averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes along the way.
Westbrook would also find himself finishing seventh in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.
After 17 seasons in the association, the point guard has transitioned from being a franchise centerpiece to a reliable, multi-faceted role player who can impact the game in a multitude of ways.
Whether it's as a starter (a role he dropped averages of 15.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in last year) or in an off-the-pine-based manner, Westbrook is someone who can produce admirably within a club's rotation.
Vecenie seems to believe teams will come to this realization sometime during the early stages of the upcoming 2025-26 season.