Russell Westbrook didn't exercise his player option for next season with the Denver Nuggets, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. It's nearing the end of September, and he's still on the market, but that may not be the case for long.
On Monday afternoon, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Rockets guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL. He'll potentially miss the entire 2025-26 season, a devastating blow for Houston.
Rather than rely heavily on Reed Sheppard, who played 52 games last season as a rookie, the Rockets could sign Westbrook. The former Nuggets guard has been linked to the Kings, but given Houston's need for another point guard, Westbrook could return to the Rockets.