The Sacramento Kings have positioned themselves as the frontrunners in acquiring Russell Westbrook during the current free agency period, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints. Westbrook is an unrestricted free agent after opting out of his 2025-26 player option with the Denver Nuggets, sparking interest from multiple teams, with Sacramento showing the strongest intent.
Westbrook’s Recent Performance and Career Highlights
Last season, the 2017 NBA MVP appeared in 75 games for Denver, posting averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest. His shooting was 44.9% from the field, 32.3% from three-point range, and 66.1% from the free-throw line. Turning 37 in November, Westbrook is a future Hall of Famer with an extensive NBA history that includes stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets. He holds the all-time NBA record for triple-doubles with 203.
Throughout a 1,237-game career, Westbrook has been a nine-time All-Star and earned nine All-NBA team selections, compiling career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Recent Changes and Additions to the Sacramento Kings Roster
The Kings did not qualify for the playoffs in the 2024-25 season, finishing with a loss in the play-in tournament at home against the Dallas Mavericks. In a major offseason move, Sacramento traded De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and welcomed Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Additionally, Doug Christie was promoted to full-time head coach after taking over for Mike Brown midseason. Sacramento also secured veterans Dennis Schröder from the Detroit Pistons and Dario Šarić from the Denver Nuggets this offseason to bolster their lineup.
Westbrook’s Connections with Current Kings Players
Russell Westbrook’s potential signing could build on existing relationships within the Kings roster. He previously played alongside Dennis Schröder on both the Thunder and Lakers and was a teammate of Domantas Sabonis during his time in Oklahoma City. Westbrook also shares chemistry with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, adding value beyond on-court contributions.
“The top team for Russell Westbrook right now is the Sacramento Kings, and that has been the case since the start of free agency,”
— Brett Siegel, NBA Insider
Implications and Outlook for the Kings’ Offseason
The Sacramento Kings Russell Westbrook signing would mark a significant move aimed at revamping the team’s roster and returning to postseason contention. Combining Westbrook’s veteran experience with recent acquisitions could provide the leadership and playmaking needed to push beyond last season’s shortcomings. As free agency continues, Sacramento’s pursuit reflects a strategic effort to blend star power with emerging talent in the Western Conference.