Dwight Howard and Russell Westbrook have a long basketball history together, both playing on the same team and as opponents. As such, it's no surprise that Howard would have some thoughts on Westbrook's future, namely that he should get that bag and play ball overseas.
After the 2024-2025 season, Russell Westbrook chose to leave the Denver Nuggets and become a free agent. The goal of that was to find a better roster fit somewhere, hopefully with a bigger paycheque attached to it. Not surprisingly, that's the goal for every player in the league.
Unfortunately, that plan didn't work out for Westbrook. The league is well into the preseason, and Russell remains a free agent. So far, no front office seems to see how he would fit into their current roster or future plans for their teams. It's not what you want to see for a legend like Westbrook.
The only franchise to show any substantial interest has been the Sacramento Kings. Their front office spent a sizable chunk of the summer looking at making roster space for him, but has yet to pull the trigger. If they are serious about signing him, they need to make that move soon.
Westbrook's new option
The Kings need to make cap space for Westbrook. Even if they can, the amount the franchise has to offer him will be relatively low. That could be a problem if recent rumors of a competing offer from a Chinese team are true.
According to Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports, there may be a $12 million offer for half a season that would allow him to return to the NBA in January. The status of this being a rumor cannot be more strenuously emphasized, as it has not been confirmed by Westbrook or any Chinese franchise.
Not surprisingly, Dwight Howard is quite supportive of Westbrook making this move. When Howard couldn't find a spot in the NBA, he went overseas to play and has apparently enjoyed himself. He has spent the last few years trying to convince any NBA player who will listen to follow him.
Again, this has not been confirmed, but it wouldn't be surprising to find out a Chinese team made an offer to Westbrook. It just emphasizes the fact that the Kings need to get serious and make the move if they want Russell on their team. If they wait much longer, someone else will step in.