{"id":227290,"date":"2026-03-19T18:53:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/227290\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T18:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:53:13","slug":"could-russell-westbrook-return-to-the-kings-next-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/227290\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Russell Westbrook return to the Kings next season?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amid a forgettable season of Sacramento Kings basketball, it\u2019s not all that surprising that Russell Westbrook\u2013a future Hall of Fame guard\u2013has been the team\u2019s best player.<\/p>\n

Westbrook, now 37 years old and in his 18th NBA season, has been remarkably productive for a Sacramento team that currently owns the worst record in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n

Over 63 appearances (57 starts), Westbrook is averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists\u2014his best all-around numbers since the 2022-23 season\u2014and ranks fifth in the league with six triple-doubles. On a team that has struggled to find direction, his effort and consistency have stood out, even with losses piling up.<\/p>\n

As far as the future is concerned, the Kings will enter an important offseason as they look to build a better product, one that could see the franchise select a guard in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

For those who are wondering if Westbrook could don a Sacramento Kings jersey for a second season in 2026-27, The Athletic\u2018s Sam Amick<\/a> says it\u2019s a tough question to answer.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More on Russell Westbrook & the Kings<\/p>\n

During an appearance on Sactown Sports\u2019 The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross<\/a>, Amick laid his thoughts on Russell Westbrook\u2019s time with the Kings and what the future could hold for the two sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Westbrook one is\u2026that\u2019s a tough conversation,\u201d Amick said. \u201cIt felt to me like the undercurrent was this conversation about his individual accomplishments\u2026juxtaposed with what\u2019s best for the organization. I think that\u2019s the conversation that is uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

That tension defines Sacramento\u2019s current dilemma. Westbrook has been, in Amick\u2019s words, \u201cphenomenal this year,\u201d playing with full intensity despite the team\u2019s place in the standings.<\/p>\n

His leadership has also been evident, particularly with young players like Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, both of whom have praised the future Hall of Famer\u2019s presence<\/a>. Raynaud\u2019s recent breakout performances have even come with Westbrook consistently setting him up.<\/p>\n

Yet, Amick made it clear that sentiment and production don\u2019t necessarily guarantee a return.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe assumption around the league has been that Westbrook wouldn\u2019t be back,\u201d Amick said. \u201cI don\u2019t know that we can make that assumption 100% sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"NEW<\/p>\n

(Photo by Tyler Kaufman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

That uncertainty is rooted in Sacramento\u2019s broader priorities. With a pivotal offseason ahead, the Kings must decide whether keeping a veteran like Russell Westbrook aligns with their long-term goals\u2014or if those minutes are better spent developing younger talent or integrating a potential high draft pick.<\/p>\n

Sacramento already has Devin Carter, the 13th pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, under contract for next season, a player who has looked solid in limited minutes over the past month.<\/p>\n

If the ping pong balls go their way during May\u2019s Draft Lottery, they could land in a spot to draft one of the top college guards in June, like Kansas\u2019 Darryn Peterson, Arkansas\u2019 Darius Acuff Jr., or Louisville\u2019s Mikel Brown Jr.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be one that\u2019s going to be\u2026volatile when it comes to the reaction,\u201d Amick added, noting the passionate fan base Westbrook brings with him. \u201cEspecially if you get in the way of a prize prospect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the full interview with Sam Amick\u00a0by scrolling to the top of the page or by\u00a0clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to\u00a0The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross\u00a0from 6 \u2013 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will conclude a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon when they face the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a game that has NBA Draft Lottery implications.<\/p>\n

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 3:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets \u2013 3:00 PM PT
\nTuesday, March 24th \u2013 @ Charlotte Hornets \u2013 4:00 PM PT
\nThursday, March 26th \u2013 @ Orlando Magic \u2013 4:00 PM PT
\nSaturday, March 28th \u2013 @ Brooklyn Nets \u2013 4:00 PM PT
\nSunday, March 29th @ Brooklyn Nets \u2013 3:00 PM PT<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

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