Russell Westbrook remains unsigned as NBA training camps open, and former center-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins believes the veteran guard deserves a roster spot—specifically with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Speaking on the Road Trippin’ podcast, Perkins expressed disbelief that the nine-time All-Star is still a free agent. “Do we realize that training camp started and Russell Westbrook is not on a roster?” Perkins said, via HoopsHype. “I think he should be on the Milwaukee Bucks right now.”
Westbrook, 36, declined his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets in June to enter free agency. Perkins noted that only the Sacramento Kings showed interest this offseason before the market went quiet.
Perkins also shared that his relationship with Westbrook ended years ago after he reported on league executives’ concerns about the guard’s long-term fit. “Word around the league was, if he doesn’t temper it down, he might find himself out of the league,” Perkins recalled. “After that, I got a long paragraph from his wife, Nina. She thought I turned my back on him.”
Despite the friction, Perkins said his comments weren’t personal. “I was just doing my job,” he said. “I wasn’t killing Russ, just reporting what was out there.”
Westbrook is coming off a solid season with Denver, where he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games. He also surpassed several career milestones, including 26,000 points, and climbed into the NBA’s top 10 all-time in assists.
Still, the former MVP’s market has been quiet since his free agency began. Perkins argued that a team like the Bucks could benefit from his energy and playmaking. “I believe he should be on a roster, no question,” he said.
Westbrook underwent hand surgery in May but was expected to make a full recovery before the start of the 2025–26 season. While his future remains uncertain, the conversation around his next team continues to grow louder as training camps move forward without him.
