Golden State’s Draymond Green has forcefully rejected growing speculation that Russell Westbrook played any role in Michael Malone’s abrupt firing from the Denver Nuggets. “People trying to put it on Russell Westbrook? Stop it,” Green declared on his podcast The Draymond Green Show, his voice dripping with incredulity.
The Warriors forward dismantled the narrative with characteristic bluntness: “Russell makes $3 million this year. You′re telling me a 3 million guy got a championship coach fired?” Green highlighted the absurdity by noting Denver could simply bench Westbrook if he were truly problematic, via HoopsHype.
The explosive comments come after Denver’s stunning decision to part ways with Malone – the architect of their 2023 championship – amid a toxic front office feud with GM Calvin Booth. Multiple reports confirm the rift had been simmering for months, with Malone favoring veterans while Booth pushed for younger players like Christian Braun.
Westbrook, averaging 13/5/6 off the bench, found himself caught in the crossfire when Malone played him over Booth’s draft picks. But at $3.4 million annually, the 36-year-old’s contract and role make him an unlikely scapegoat for organizational dysfunction.
“Pay him and say ‘Go home’ if he’s a problem,” Green scoffed, pointing out Westbrook’s minimal financial impact. The Nuggets instead cleaned house entirely, firing both Malone and Booth to reset ahead of the playoffs.
With Denver clinging to the West’s 4th seed at 49-32, Green’s defense offers perspective: Westbrook was merely a pawn in a much larger power struggle. As the Nuggets prepare for postseason under interim coach David Adelman, the focus shifts to whether Nikola Jokic can steady the ship amid the turmoil.
