Westbrook Commits to Kings for an Unprecedented 18th NBA Season
Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has committed to the Sacramento Kings for an unprecedented 18th NBA season. His agreement is a one-year veteran’s minimum deal valued at $3.6 million.
Westbrook’s New Role with Sacramento
Westbrook brings a wealth of experience to the Kings, expected to bolster their backcourt depth. His role will see him contributing both as a starter and a reserve, adding flexibility and strength to the team, which ranked low in bench performance last season.
A Network of Connections
The 2017 NBA MVP shared offseason discussions with Kings’ executives, maintaining communication throughout free agency. His connections extend across team members and management, ensuring a smooth integration into the team environment.
Career Highlights and Records
- Westbrook holds the NBA record for triple-doubles with 203.
- He is one of just two players, alongside LeBron James, with over 25,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists.
- His current career points stand at 26,205, with 506 needed to surpass Oscar Robertson as the highest-scoring point guard.
- Westbrook ranks eighth in career assists and needs 75 more to reach 10,000 career assists.
Recent Performance
Last season with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games. He achieved a shooting accuracy of 44.9%, including a career-best 52% on two-pointers in 2024-25.
Westbrook’s Impact on the Kings
Scott Perry, in his first year as the Kings’ general manager, emphasized the franchise’s focus on high energy and effort, qualities Westbrook is renowned for. His addition is poised to enhance the team’s performance and invigorate the roster with veteran leadership.
Westbrook’s journey since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder has now led him to his seventh NBA team, adding valuable experience from stints with the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets, before joining the Kings.
