This article was originally published on www.si.com as Russell Westbrook Explains Decision to Leave Denver: 'They Didn't Want Me Back' . Former Nugget and current Kings guard Russell Westbrook made his return to Denver on Monday night, but it sounds like he wasn't all too jazzed to be there.

Russell Westbrook's wife Nina allegedly texted Kendrick Perkins to confront him over controversial remarks made about her husband.

Knowing what’s coming and stopping what’s coming are two different things. The Nuggets knew what kind of energy Russell Westbrook was bringing to Ball Arena in his return as a member of the Kings on Monday.

After coming off the bench in Saturday's win over Milwaukee, Westbrook will get the starting nod against his former team. Over six regular-season appearances (two starts), the 36-year-old has averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.0 minutes per contest.

Russell Westbrook was a soldier for the 2024-25 Nuggets squad, and he received a hero's welcome in his return to Ball Arena with the Kings.

Russell Westbrook's on-court leadership for the Sacramento Kings was highlighted by this interaction during a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.