Russell Westbrook’s departure from Denver was not Russell Westbrook’s choice, he says.

The Nuggets asked Westbrook to decline his $3.5 million player option this summer, he told reporters Monday night after returning to Ball Arena as a starter for the Sacramento Kings.

“The truth is that they didn’t want me back,” he said. “It ain’t up to me. God always has a plan. Be patient. Not up to me. They don’t want me. That’s OK. Somebody else do.”

Westbrook spent one year with the Nuggets , averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in his 17th NBA season, largely off the bench as a backup point guard for Jamal Murray . By most measurements, it was his most productive season since entering the role player phase of his Hall of Fame-bound career. He shot 32.3% from 3-point range, h

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