One of the most talked-about names in this offseason, whose future remains unresolved, is veteran free agent Russell Westbrook, formerly of the Denver Nuggets. His situation continues to drag on, with reportedly only one team showing serious interest ahead of the next NBA season.
What’s even more surprising is that the Sacramento Kings appear to be the only team actively pursuing Westbrook as a free agent, according to NBA reporter Jake Fischer during a live Bleacher Report broadcast.
“We are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring Russell Westbrook. And that’s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook, and that’s still the home that I have heard earlier this week is the most likely outcome for Russell Westbrook if he’s gonna be in the NBA at all,” Fischer said.
“Honestly, that’s really the only home we’ve heard for him,” he added. Similar remarks were recently made by ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, who wrote that the Kings have been mentioned as the “top team” for Westbrook this offseason since the start of free agency.
Russell Westbrook vs Sacramento Kings
However, even this option is complicated. Reports indicate that the Kings are also trying to finalize a deal for Jonathan Kuminga, meaning Westbrook’s fate may remain uncertain until Sacramento resolves its pursuit of Kuminga.
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Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game last season while playing 27.9 minutes per game. Once considered a triple-double machine, his physical decline has made it difficult to produce the numbers he once did, in part due to his highly physical playing style.
The Kings have been aggressive in reshaping their roster after missing the playoffs. They traded De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and acquired Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Sacramento also added Dennis Schroder through a sign-and-trade, moved Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric, and signed Drew Eubanks in free agency, signaling a commitment to a major roster overhaul as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. This puts Westbrook in a tough spot, with the veteran at risk of not finding a new team this offseason. Only time will tell us how this plays out.
