The Sacramento Kings are set to enhance their roster with the signing of free agent point guard Russell Westbrook, according to his agent, who shared the news with ESPN’s Shams Charania. While specifics of the agreement have not been disclosed, it is anticipated that Westbrook will join the Kings for the veteran minimum salary, aimed at strengthening Sacramento’s backcourt.
At 36 years old, Westbrook is gearing up for his 18th season in the NBA and will be playing for his seventh professional team, following a stint last season with the Denver Nuggets. Since his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, the former league MVP has played for five different teams, including the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Notably, Sacramento marks his fourth team within the last two seasons.
The Kings are looking for added depth at the point guard position, having entered the offseason without a definitive player in that role. Earlier this offseason, they signed Dennis Schröder to a three-year contract but have shown a strong interest in Westbrook since the beginning of free agency in July.
In the recently concluded season, Westbrook played 75 games for the Nuggets, starting in 36 of them. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds across 27.9 minutes per game. His performance secured him a spot as the seventh finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award for the second consecutive season.
Despite juggling numerous backcourt options, including players like Keon Ellis, Malik Monk, and DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento faced challenges in solidifying its point guard role. The trade of De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs during last season’s deadline resulted in experimenting with Monk at point guard, though this did not yield the desired results.
As the Kings gear up for the upcoming season, they will take on the Phoenix Suns on October 22, and Westbrook’s experience could prove instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape of the league. With this new addition, the Kings are not only addressing their immediate needs but also setting the stage for a promising season ahead.