Russell Westbrook is heading to Sacramento. The nine-time All-Star guard has agreed to a deal with the Kings for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, marking his 18th year in the league and his seventh different team.
The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, adds another chapter to Westbrook’s storied and often dramatic career.
The 36-year-old veteran declined his player option with the Denver Nuggets in June, opting instead to test free agency. Despite speculation that the New York Knicks or other contenders might pursue him, Westbrook ultimately landed in Sacramento, one of the teams consistently named as a top fit for him throughout the offseason.
Last season with the Nuggets, Westbrook took on a reduced role, averaging 13.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game in 27 minutes. He played in 75 games, coming off the bench in 39 of them.
While no longer the explosive triple-double machine he once was, Westbrook proved he could still contribute meaningfully, especially as a second-unit leader.
The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing 40-42 finish that left them out of the playoffs. After breaking a 16-year playoff drought in 2023, the team struggled with consistency last season and hopes to get back on track.
The addition of Westbrook brings leadership, experience, and intensity – all of which could benefit a Kings roster still learning how to win consistently.
Can Westbrook spark a playoff push?
Sacramento’s bench production was among the weaker spots in their rotation last year, with limited playmaking when De’Aaron Fox sat. Westbrook’s presence immediately boosts that area. His ability to drive, create for others, and bring pace could help balance the offense when the starters rest.
He’s also a former teammate of Kings center Domantas Sabonis from their days in Oklahoma City, which may help chemistry early on.
That said, Westbrook’s fit isn’t without questions. Sacramento already has a crowded backcourt, and reports suggest a move, possibly involving Malik Monk or a younger guard, may be necessary to make room for Westbrook’s role. Integrating his high-energy style without disrupting the team’s existing flow will be a challenge for head coach Mike Brown.
Still, Westbrook’s postseason pedigree is notable. He’s made 14 playoff appearances and will look to extend that streak in Sacramento, which is eager to regain playoff momentum. The Kings open the 2025-26 season on October 22 at home against the Phoenix Suns, a game that could mark Westbrook’s latest rebirth in a career full of reinvention.
Whether it’s a final act or a fresh start, Westbrook’s move to the Kings adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming season and gives Sacramento fans one more reason to believe.
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