Russell Westbrook’s free agency is officially over as the 9x All-Star is set to join the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming NBA season.
Westbrook had remained unsigned throughout the summer, though his representatives at Excel Sports Management and the Kings front office remained in touch throughout. Now, he’ll join a roster that features DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schroder for his 18th NBA season.
Sacramento ranked near the bottom of the league in bench points last season, which is where Westbrook’s addition could help the most. While the 36 year old would be able to handle starting duties at point guard if the Kings need to give their starters a night off, or are battling injuries, he’s most likely to provide some guard depth for a Sacramento roster that is “uniquely” constructed to say the least.
Across 75 games for the Nuggets last season, the former league MVP averaged 13.3pts/6.1ast/4.9reb/1.4stl per contest while shooting 44.9% from the field.
What his addition means for the future of Malik Monk and Devin Carter remains to be seen. Sources indicate that the club had been quietly shopping the American guards in recent weeks without much success. However, with Westbrook set to join an already crowded backcourt on the west coast, perhaps Kings GM Scott Perry will be more inclined to get creative in some potential deals in the lead up to opening night.
Westbrook is expected to the join the Kings in the coming days, and could see his minutes slowly built up over the first few games of the 2025-26 season.
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