Despite reports that Russell Westbrook would be one-and-done with the Sacramento Kings, a new rumor claims they are reconsidering a reunion with the one-time NBA MVP in 2026-27.
This has been another underwhelming offseason for the Kings. Instead of adding, the organization has prioritized finding ways to slash their bloated payroll. It is why they bought out what was left on DeMar DeRozan’s contract and have been looking to trade Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. It’s also why most expect the team will let Westbrook walk in free agency despite a productive season in 2025-26.
Sacramento Kings considering Russell Westbrook reunion?
Well, maybe not. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “Sacramento covets a veteran point guard to mentor prized rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and is thus now weighing the prospect of bringing back Russell Westbrook.”
The Kings used the seventh overall pick in June’s NBA Draft on the 19-year-old star from Arkansas. They are hoping the talented guard can be the centerpiece of a new core that can get them back to relevancy in the years ahead. So the organization is prioritizing his development, and letting him sit under the learning tree of a future Hall of Famer is a sensible idea. However, he is not the only veteran free agent the Kings are taking a hard look at.
Sacramento Kings could turn to surprising veteran in NBA free agency
Feb 22, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Former Indiana Pacer Victor Oladipo shares a moment with the Indiana Hoosiers after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY SportsCredit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Stein also reports that the Kings are kicking the tires on signing two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo, and they were “among the teams to attend Oladipo’s recent workout in Las Vegas during summer league.”
The 10-year NBA veteran has not played since the 2022-23 season and is trying to make a comeback after tearing his patellar tendon three years ago. Oladipo’s career was heavily affected by injury woes after a serious knee and quadricep problem in 2018 and 2019. However, when healthy, he was a productive player.
The second overall pick in the 2013 draft was a Rookie of the Year finalist, a two-time All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, and earned All-NBA honors once during his career. He has averaged 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists for his career.
Which player will Sacramento Kings choose?
The Kings would prefer to bring Westbrook back. They are familiar with him, and he was good for them during his lone season in Sacramento. However, he still has value, and they could either be outbid by another team or he may prefer to take a discount deal with a title contender like the Miami Heat.
To get back in the league, Oladipo will definitely take a minimum contract, which the Kings will like. Furthermore, the 34-year-old would probably welcome being a mentor to Acuff Jr. Of the two options, if their medical staff does not have major concerns about Oladipo’s knees, it seems more likely that Sacramento goes the budget route and signs him instead of bringing Westbrook back in 2026-27.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos