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Just Now
Westbrook’s Next Chapter: A Familiar Face in Sacramento
Russell Westbrook Joins Sacramento Kings, Reuniting with Schröder
Nine-time all-Star Russell Westbrook is set to embark on his 18th NBA season after agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. The veteran guard, the 2017 NBA MVP, is expected to officially join the team this week, bringing a wealth of experience and a familiar face to the Kings’ backcourt.
Westbrook and the Kings have been in discussions throughout the offseason, with the 36-year-old guard exploring his free agency options. His addition addresses a clear need for Sacramento, which struggled significantly with bench production last season. The Kings ranked a dismal 28th in the league in bench points and 29th in bench assists during the 2024-25 campaign. Westbrook’s arrival offers an immediate boost to that department.
Beyond his individual contributions, Westbrook brings pre-existing connections within the Kings organization. He’ll reunite with former teammates like Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, and notably, he shares a backcourt history with current Kings guard dennis Schröder.This familiarity can be invaluable for team chemistry and on-court execution, especially for a player like Westbrook who thrives on dynamic play.
moreover, Assistant General Manager B.J. Armstrong, a former NBA standout himself, also has a history with Westbrook, potentially smoothing the integration process.
Last season, Westbrook played a notable role for the Denver Nuggets, appearing in 75 games with 36 starts. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. Notably, his 52 percent shooting from two-point range marked a career-best, showcasing his efficiency when attacking the basket. Over the past three seasons, Westbrook has embraced a reserve role, coming off the bench in 145 of 216 games and consistently finishing among the top contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
As he approaches his 37th birthday in November, Westbrook’s decision to sign with sacramento signals a desire to contribute to a competitive team and potentially mentor younger players, much like he did in Denver.
Westbrook’s career accolades are undeniable. He holds the NBA record for most triple-doubles with an astounding 203. He stands alongside LeBron James as one of only two players in league history to achieve 25,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists. With 26,205 career points, he is on the cusp of surpassing Oscar Robertson to become the highest-scoring point guard of all time, needing just 506 more points.
His playmaking ability remains elite, as he ranks eighth all-time in assists. With 75 more assists, he will join the exclusive club of players with 10,000 career assists. Sacramento marks westbrook’s seventh NBA team as his departure from Oklahoma City in the 2018-19 season, following stints with Houston, Washington, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver.
