Kings Emerge as Lone Serious Suitor for Free-Agent Russell Westbrook
SLUG: kings-sole-suitor-russell-westbrook-free-agency
CONTENT:
Recent league chatter points to the Sacramento Kings as the only team showing concrete interest in veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who remains on the open market.
Multiple reports state that Sacramento’s pursuit is contingent on creating both salary flexibility and backcourt minutes. The Kings already inked veteran point guard Dennis Schröder earlier in the offseason, so a meaningful role for Westbrook would likely require trading either Malik Monk or 2024 No. 13 draft pick Devin Carter.
Monk and Carter have surfaced in trade speculation throughout the summer, in part because Sacramento has explored deals for Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. One recent story indicated the Kings were still actively searching for a trade partner for Monk, while another reported that no talks were ongoing at the moment.
Westbrook, who turns 37 in November, averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists across 75 regular-season games (36 starts) with Denver last season. He also appeared in 13 playoff contests but had difficulty making a significant impact.
The former MVP could have guaranteed himself $3.47 million by opting into the final year of his contract with the Nuggets. Instead, he declined the option to test free agency. To date, Denver, the Lakers and the Clippers—his three most recent clubs—have shown no interest in a reunion.
With options limited, the question now is whether Sacramento will clear the necessary space to add Westbrook, or if another team will ultimately step in.
Source: Hoops Rumors
