NBA Fans React to Heartfelt Russell Westbrook Personal News

Denver Nuggets free agent Russell Westbrook shared an incredible moment with his wife in Italy

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) and forward Aaron Gordon (32) during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a second-round playoff exit, living down expectations of being a top championship contender. However, one of the bright spots of the season was unexpectedly Russell Westbrook, a 36-year-old point guard who brought top-tier energy every night.

Westbrook is a future Hall of Famer and former NBA MVP, but his career has been very polarizing. Even when he was in his prime. Westbrook was constantly slandered for "stat-padding," not playing meaningful basketball, or falling short in the postseason, and his underwhelming tenures with the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers did not help.

Then, in the 2024 offseason, Westbrook signed with the Nuggets, where he would try to revive his image. While Westbrook is still not the most efficient player, he was surprisingly good in Denver, playing a great two-man game with superstar center Nikola Jokic and consistently bringing high-intensity hustle plays and defense.

Westbrook's free agency dilemma

Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Westbrook declined his second-year player-option that would have allowed him to stay in Denver for an extra season, deciding it was best to enter free agency. However, the veteran point guard has not had great luck on the open market.

Westbrook has received some attention from teams, but there is only one reported team that is still interested in him: The Sacramento Kings. If the Kings are his last option, then there remains a possibility that Westbrook could hang them up entirely or wait for another offer. Sacramento is not a bad destination by any means, and it puts him close to home, but this is not the free agency outlook he likely expected.

Russell Westbrook may not be in the NBA next season, per Jake Fischer 😞

“The Kings are the one home for Russell Westbrook if he’s going to be in the NBA at all.” pic.twitter.com/9pRJZziFmB

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) August 21, 2025

Westbrook is still enjoying his offseason

Despite the uncertainty around Westbrook's future, the 36-year-old star continues to enjoy his summer.

Russell and his wife, Nina Westbrook, took a trip to Italy, where the couple renewed their vows in a picturesque ceremony on a boat with family and friends in attendance.

Via TMZ: "🥹 Russell Westbrook tears up as he and wife, Nina, decided to run it back on their vows in Italy!"

🥹 Russell Westbrook tears up as he and wife, Nina, decided to run it back on their vows in Italy! https://t.co/LzVo5Mbwpc pic.twitter.com/ZWz2VdFI9E

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 25, 2025

Plenty of fans took to social media to react to Westbrook's incredible moment with his wife, as the nine-time All-Star continues to enjoy life, allowing his NBA career to take a backseat.

"Congratulations broski👏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾🏆," one fan commented.

"What a great man off the court," another fan said.

"This What It's All About 💜," a fan replied.

"My goat wholesome 🥹," another fan commented.

"I get that I am looking at athletes and their partners from a distance, but seeing them this happy is beautiful," a fan posted. "Russ an incredible husband and father."