NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Eyeing Russell Westbrook Despite Recent Dennis Schröder Acquisition

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by Lou Reyes

Unrestricted free agent Russell Westbrook (4). Photo: Sports Analytics.

The Sacramento Kings are still looking to bring in veteran point guard Russell Westbrook, even after adding Dennis Schröder to their roster this offseason. This update comes from NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who reported that the Kings’ interest in Westbrook remains strong following their sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons for Schröder.

Currently an unrestricted free agent, Westbrook spent last season with the Denver Nuggets. He appeared in 75 games, posting averages of 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. The former MVP shot 44.9% from the field, 32.3% from long range, and 66.1% from the foul line during the regular season. Denver’s playoff run ended in the second round after a hard-fought seven-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite being 36 years old (turning 37 in November), Westbrook remains a high-energy floor general with unmatched experience. A nine-time All-Star and the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, he has logged over 1,200 career games with stints on the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. His career averages stand at 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

Although a championship has eluded him so far, Westbrook came closest in 2012, when he and the Thunder reached the NBA Finals but fell to the Miami Heat in five games.

Photo: Getty Images.

The Kings, who failed to make the postseason last year, are reshaping their roster with a bold vision. They traded away longtime franchise guard De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs earlier this year and made a splash by acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.

Westbrook has shared the floor with several current Kings players in the past, including Schröder during their time with the Lakers and Domantas Sabonis from their Thunder days. He’s also known to have a strong rapport with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan — a factor that may help Sacramento’s case in bringing him in.

If the Kings manage to land Westbrook, it would be a clear signal that they’re serious about shaking things up and making a playoff push in the competitive Western Conference.