The Sacramento Kings have been making headlines throughout the 2025 NBA offseason, but none of it has been because of the moves they made. The Kings’ top move of the summer so far has been acquiring veteran point guard Dennis Schroder in a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons and trading away Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dario Saric. <\/p>\n
Both of these moves were widely criticized, and the Kings continue to search for roster changes to shake things up under new general manager Scott Perry.<\/p>\n
The Kings have been linked to two of the top NBA free agents available: Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons.<\/p>\n
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Dec 15, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images \/ Bill Streicher-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Westbrook has been one of the most intriguing options brought up for the Kings this offseason, as they have been linked to him since free agency started, but he remains unsigned as we approach September. NBA insider Jake Fischer<\/a> recently reported that the Kings are practically Westbrook’s last hope<\/a>, as they are the only team interested in him heading into the 2025-26 season. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are still waiting to see what other moves could come in Sacramento before the Kings try to bring in Russell Westbrook,\u201d Fischer said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s been the one home all along that we really have looked at for Russell Westbrook. And that is still the home I have heard earlier this week for Russell Westbrook \u2014 if he\u2019s gonna be in the NBA at all, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n Russell Westbrook might not be in the NBA next season, per @JakeLFischer<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cThe Kings are the one home for Russell Westbrook if he\u2019s going to be in the NBA at all.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/aSoRF2Pv7a<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 20, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Simmons has not been connected to Sacramento as often as Westbrook has, but there seems to be genuine interest from the Kings to add the former first-overall pick. NBA insider Brett Siegel<\/a> recently assured that the Kings are interested in Simmons, among a handful of other teams. <\/p>\n “Knicks and Kings are known suitors for Simmons. Celtics have obviously been in that mix as well,” Siegel posted. “I wouldn’t be shocked if Simmons is holding out to see if any of these other situations create an opening for him \u2014 teams like Golden State, Atlanta, and Cleveland.”<\/p>\n Knicks and Kings are known suitors for Simmons. Celtics have obviously been in that mix as well. <\/p>\n I wouldn’t be shocked if Simmons is holding out to see if any of these other situations create an opening for him \u2014 teams like Golden State, Atlanta, and Cleveland. https:\/\/t.co\/GyZ51zAIeO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Westbrook is a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer who never gives up on a play and will fight for every rebound, but he has many faults in his game as well. Westbrook’s age is not necessarily a problem since he is still just as athletic, if not more, than the majority of the league, but his recent injuries could be a concern. <\/p>\n Still, focusing on what he would bring to the Kings, he is a valuable veteran presence and high-character person who all of his teammates throughout his career rave about, who can still give a team productive minutes. Westbrook is far from his 2017 NBA MVP self, but he could still come in and give the Kings 15-20 minutes and play harder than anyone else on the court, which head coach Doug Christie would love. <\/p>\n RUSSELL WESTBROOK DEFENSE ON SHAI<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd12\ud83d\udd12\ud83d\udd12\ud83d\udd12<\/p>\n