Russell Westbrook, the nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 MVP, has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming season. His agent, Jeff Schwartz from Excel Sports Management, confirmed the signing to ESPN on Wednesday. This marks Westbrook’s entry into his 18th season in the league as he continues to seek a strong foundation in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Throughout the offseason, the Kings maintained communication with Westbrook, ensuring that the process was seamless as he explored his options. Westbrook has significant ties with several players on the Kings roster, including Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, as well as with Dennis Schroder, who has shared backcourt duties in the past. Additionally, his relationship with assistant general manager BJ Armstrong and mutual respect for general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie likely facilitated the alignment.
Expected to officially join the team later this week, Westbrook will sign a one-year deal worth $3.6 million at the veteran’s minimum. His addition bolsters the Kings’ backcourt depth, a crucial area for improvement after the team ranked 28th in bench points and 29th in bench assists last season.
Under the leadership of new general manager Perry, the franchise is focusing on fostering a culture characterized by high energy and effort—qualities that Westbrook consistently demonstrates on the court. Last season, during his time with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook played 75 games, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9% from the field. Notably, he achieved a career-best in 2-point shooting with a 52% success rate.
Though Westbrook has suited up for multiple teams over his career, now entering his seventh franchise since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has remained a valuable contender. Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history, boasting 203, and stands as one of only two players to amass over 25,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists, alongside LeBron James. Currently, he has accumulated 26,205 career points, with a goal to surpass Oscar Robertson as the highest-scoring point guard ever, just 506 points shy of that landmark.
As the Kings prepare for a new season, Westbrook’s experience, skills, and relentless drive could provide the necessary boost to ensure the team competes effectively in the tough Western Conference landscape.