Russell Westbrook remains one of the biggest names still available in NBA free agency. The former Denver Nuggets guard is currently without a team, and the Sacramento Kings were among the franchises initially linked to the 2017 MVP.
However, according to NBA insider Sam Amick, while there was real mutual interest between Westbrook and the Kings’ front office — particularly general manager Scott Perry — Sacramento appears to be backing off.
“The sense I had gotten was that the Kings and Scott (Perry) have a lot of affinity for Russ, without question,” Amick said during an appearance on Sactown Sports 1140. “But the backcourt is already pretty crowded, and there was concern about making it even worse”.
Amick added that, as things stand, a move to bring Westbrook to Sacramento is unlikely. “I’ve certainly been leaning in the direction of thinking that’s not going to happen,” he continued. “Nothing has changed roster-wise to alter the logjam that a move like that would create. I mean, we know they’ve been active, but it’s obviously been pretty quiet recently”.
The Kings have made only a few moves this offseason, one of the most notable being the addition of Dennis Schroder from the Pistons. The German guard is expected to take on a starting role in the backcourt. With Schroder now in the fold, Sacramento also features Devin Carter, Keon Ellis, and Malik Monk at the guard position — leaving little room for Westbrook.
While the Kings are likely to remain active this offseason in an attempt to strengthen the roster and make a push in the Western Conference, adding Westbrook could further complicate an already crowded rotation.
Trade rumors have also swirled around names like DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk. DeRozan had been loosely linked to the Miami Heat, though no deal has materialized.
Meanwhile, Monk’s name reportedly came up in a potential trade with the Warriors for forward Jonathan Kuminga, but Golden State was said to be targeting Keegan Murray in return — a player the Kings reportedly view as a core piece and are reluctant to move.
For now, as Sacramento evaluate their next steps heading into the 2024–25 season, all signs suggest that Westbrook is not part of the franchise’s plans. As a result, the nine-time All-Star’s future in the NBA remains up in the air.