BREAKING: Russell Westbrook Signs With Sacramento Kings

Joel Piton
Oct 15
2 min read

NBA fans rejoice! The back and forth turmoil is finally over. After a long and confusing offseason, reports have stated that Russell Westbrook has signed the dotted line on a one-year, $3.6 million veteran’s minimum deal with the Sacramento Kings. Entering his eighteenth season and joining his seventh NBA franchise, Westbrook brings energy, motor and experience to a team none of us would have guessed. What does this move mean for the Kings?

A nine-time All-Star and the NBA’s 2017 Most Valuable Player, Westbrook’s resume speaks for itself. Yet in recent years, his stints with the LA and Denver were marked by inconsistency, most notably in efficiency. Still, Westbrook proved he could adapt with Mike Malone's system last season, suiting up for 75 games and averaging 13.3 points, six assists, and five rebounds off the bench. He also converted well over 50% of his attempts at the rim, and while his explosive athleticism may have tapered off, his downhill force and playmaking instincts remain. At this stage of his career, Westbrook is no longer a sky-walker, but he’s still a reliable floor general capable of stabilizing an offense and injecting energy into any championship contender.

As for the Kings, there’s plenty to prove as they work to connect a new core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis—without De’Aaron Fox. Sacramento finished 40–42 last season, narrowly missing the postseason, and also endured midyear turbulence when they parted ways with Mike Brown and transitioned to a new head coach. The growing pains were evident, but the Kings still have the offensive firepower to make a legitimate playoff push. With LaVine entering his thirties and DeRozan already well into his, the franchise is leaning older with on core—but both veterans remain productive with LaVine averaging 23 points per game and DeRozan still as lethal as ever from mid-range and at the basket. Westbrook’s role remains to be seen, but his experience makes him more than capable of starting at point guard if needed, even as Keon Ellis continues to develop.

It’s been a long, decorated, and successful career for Russell Westbrook. A multiple time All-NBA recipient and a former MVP, he’s already built up a Hall of Fame career, and no one would have faulted him had he chosen retirement this offseason. But the competitor’s edge still burns too bright to step away just yet. His arrival in Sacramento instantly energizes the fanbase and adds intrigue to a new roster. Whether the Kings can turn that excitement into real competitiveness, however, is a question that only time will answer.