NBA's clear message to Russell Westbrook makes Nuggets' season even more impressive

Russell Westbrook remains an unsigned free agent in August despite being a significant contributor for the Denver Nuggets last season. At 36 years old, the future Hall of Famer hasn't attracted interest even for a minimum contract, despite playing the fifth-most minutes on the team, starting 36 games, and being Denver's most utilized bench player in both the regular season and playoffs.

Westbrook played major minutes in the postseason, including crucial moments during the Nuggets' series victory over the Clippers. Denver came within one game of defeating the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, relying heavily on Westbrook as their sixth man. However, the Nuggets' lack of depth forced them to depend on him, and while he performed admirably given the circumstances, his impact was mixed, often doing as much harm as good.

This offseason, the Nuggets have significantly upgraded their bench by adding veterans Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., alongside young players like DaRon Holmes and Peyton Watson. This overhaul eliminates the need for Westbrook's volatile play style. His continued unemployment highlights both the Nuggets' roster limitations last season and the impressive nature of their near-upset against the Thunder.

Rumors link Westbrook to the Sacramento Kings, but his signing is reportedly delayed due to the unresolved contract situation involving Jonathan Kuminga, which multiple teams are monitoring. While Westbrook is still considered too talented to be out of the NBA, he's viewed as unsuitable for a high-impact role on a playoff contender—a scenario that made Denver's deep playoff run last season all the more remarkable.