Russell Westbrook is still without a team as the NBA season begins, but that could change soon, according to the latest reports.
After declining his $3.5 million player option in Denver, the 37-year-old has yet to sign elsewhere, though ESPN’s Shams Charania says there’s “strong mutual interest” between Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings.
“I’m told there is strong mutual interest between Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings,” Charania said on NBA Today. “And the Kings have a need for a reserve point guard. They were 29th in bench points, 29th in bench assists last season. Russell Westbrook helps with that, and he’s got relationships across that organization. Domantas Sabonis, he’s close with, played with him. He played with Dennis Schroeder as well, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine. They have L.A. ties as well. BJ Armstrong, the new assistant general manager there. He knows BJ Armstrong from the agency side, and he does have respect with Scott Perry, their new general manager, and Doug Christie, their new head coach. We’ll see if a deal gets done before the start of the season or during this upcoming year.”
Sacramento’s bench production has been one of its biggest weaknesses, and Westbrook’s energy could help fill that void. The Kings currently have an open roster spot and sit roughly $5.4 million below the luxury tax line, enough flexibility to make something work if both sides agree on money.
Local radio host Carmichael Dave added fuel to the speculation, calling it “70/30 Russell Westbrook joins the Kings this year.”
The guard averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game last season for the Nuggets. While his scoring efficiency has dipped in recent years, his tempo and playmaking remain valuable for teams looking for veteran depth.
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