The Sacramento Kings could be making room for NBA star and free agent Russell Westbrook.
Kings Bracing for Trade After Russell Westbrook Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Sacramento Kings put together another disappointing campaign last season, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year after ending their postseason drought in 2023. One could argue that the team’s lackluster performance was largely hinged on De’Aaron Fox’s midseason trade which left the Kings without a true point guard.
Sacramento began the offseason attempting to fix that gap by signing Dennis Schroder in free agency. It has also been reported all summer that the Kings have been exploring a move for former MVP Russell Westbrook, who declined his player option to become a free agent this offseason. NBA insider Carmichael Dave corroborated these reports on Sunday, noting that there’s an “80-20” chance that Westbrook signs with Sacramento, and confirmed “strong mutual interest” between both parties.
However, to achieve this, the Kings would have to make room for Westbrook and it appears they are preparing to do so. Per Matt George of ABC10, the front office is weighing deals involving either Malik Monk or second-year guard Devin Carter in order to accommodate the veteran star on the roster.
“On the Kings/Russell Westbrook front: Both parties have been talking and have had mutual interest since free agency began. That's been well known,” George wrote. “From what I gather, the Kings are still looking to move a player like Devin Carter or Malik Monk before they can bring Westbrook in. The Kings have a log jam at the guard position and very little financial flexibility to work with.”
REPORT: The Kings are still looking to trade Malik Monk or Devin Carter, per @MattGeorgeSAC
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 28, 2025
(h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/z5uSMIzKvn
Russell Westbrook's Fit on the Sacramento Kings
Westbrook would bring experience and playmaking to a Kings squad in need of both. The nine-time All-Star and 2017 NBA MVP has built a Hall of Fame résumé, becoming the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles. While no longer the explosive force of his prime, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds last season with the Denver Nuggets, showing he still has value as a contributor.
If a deal goes through, Sacramento could look to pair Westbrook with Schroder, while building around a core potentially featuring Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
Related: Calls Mount for Russell Westbrook to Join Former Team After Blockbuster News
Related: Russell Westbrook Reacts to Nikola Jokic News Amid NBA Free Agency
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
