The Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason, making no major moves as they work to resolve contract talks with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
While the Warriors are widely expected to sign veteran big man Al Horford, they remain in a holding pattern due to Kuminga. The organization has also been linked to several backcourt options like Seth Curry, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton.
However, another player who could emerge as a potential cost-effective option is California native Russell Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook’s fit with Warriors questioned
Entering his age-37 season, Westbrook is expected to land with his fourth team in four seasons. But Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard doesn’t believe the Warriors would be a good fit, despite his decorated past.
“It would make more sense for the Warriors to let Butler and Brandin Podziemski handle second-unit playmaking responsibilities than to turn bench lineups over to Westbrook and his all-gas-no-brakes style,” he wrote. “The Warriors need less chaos, not more.”
Westbrook had a solid 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 27.9 minutes per game in 75 regular-season appearances. However, he also averaged 3.2 turnovers per game, tying Anthony Edwards for the sixth-most in the league.
Although Westbrook can still contribute on a playoff-caliber team, he struggles with efficiency, particularly from outside. He shot just 32.3 percent from beyond the arc last season.
Golden State could benefit from a reliable secondary ball-handler, but Westbrook’s ball-dominant style would likely clash with lineups featuring Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Butler.
The best years of Westbrook’s career are behind him, and his potential fit with Golden State is questionable at best.
