Russell Westbrook's potential new team appears to be the Kings, with them being strongly tipped as his likely destination.
Sacramento Kings Eyeing Russell Westbrook and Jonathan Kuminga in Offseason Moves
Russell Westbrook, the free agent guard, is reportedly favored to sign with the Sacramento Kings this offseason, according to various sources. The Kings, in turn, seem eager to secure Westbrook's services, with the probability of a deal estimated at 80-20 by Carmichael Dave of Sactown Sports 1140 AM.
If Westbrook joins the Kings, he is expected to play a bench role, serving as a secondary ballhandler to Dennis Schroder. However, there's a chance he could be named the starting point guard if another guard gets traded.
The Kings' potential acquisition of Westbrook appears to be closely tied to their pursuit of Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. According to reports, the Kings have shown interest in Kuminga as a potential sign-and-trade acquisition, with Malik Monk being proposed in trade talks with the Warriors.
Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward, is a top restricted free agent seeking a new contract. Reports suggest he may not wish to continue playing for the Warriors. The acquisition of Kuminga would fill a key forward position and create roster flexibility, enabling the Kings to use their mid-level exception on Westbrook.
Westbrook, who turns 37 in November, declined his $3.46 million player option with the Denver Nuggets for next season. He underwent surgery on his right hand in May to repair multiple ligament tears and averaged a career-low 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 27.9 minutes per contest last season. Despite these figures, Westbrook's impressive career statistics speak for themselves. He ranks eighth in league history in assists (9,925) and 23rd in points (26,205), and is the NBA's all-time career leader in triple-doubles (203).
The Kings' training camp opens on Tuesday, October 1. The team's roster includes guards Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, and Malik Monk, in addition to Westbrook and Schroder. Notably, the Kings traded star guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last season.
Tim MacMahon, an ESPN reporter, stated that league sources consider the Sacramento Kings the most likely destination for Westbrook. As the offseason negotiations continue, a source close to the Kings believes a deal for Westbrook to join the team is a real possibility. The interdependence of these two transactions in the ongoing 2025 offseason negotiations makes for an exciting watch for basketball fans.
- The Sacramento Kings, with the potential acquisition of Russell Westbrook and Jonathan Kuminga, are shaping up to have a dynamic backcourt and frontcourt for the upcoming NBA season.
- If successful in securing Westbrook and Kuminga, the Kings could bolster their roster, allowing Dennis Schroder to focus mainly on his point guard duties, while Westbrook takes over as a secondary ballhandler or possibly the starting point guard.
- As Westbrook and Kuminga may join the Kings this offseason, basketball fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these transactions, as both players bring impressive statistics and skills to the sport, with Westbrook being the NBA's all-time career leader in triple-doubles.
- With a reconfigured roster, the Sacramento Kings aim to make a significant impact in the NBA, potentially eyeing a top performer for the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
