Kings Won’t Bringing Back Russell Westbrook

by Erik MeersJuly 18, 2026, 3:15 pm >

Russell Westbrook‘s path back to the Sacramento Kings appears to be closing, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, who says he’s heard no indication the team wants the veteran guard back in any capacity this offseason.

Speaking in a video update, Fischer was asked whether Sacramento might want Westbrook back, potentially in a mentorship role for rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick in this year’s draft.

Fischer said he hasn’t heard anything suggesting the Kings want him back, noting the team’s roster is essentially full and that there’s no sign of Sacramento reshuffling to make room for him. While there were rumblings earlier in the offseason about a possible reunion, Sacramento has shown little real interest in retaining him.

Westbrook, 37, remains an unrestricted free agent after spending the 2025-26 season with the Kings, whom he joined on a one-year, $3.6 million deal signed just six days before last season’s opener. Despite Sacramento’s rough 22-60 finish, tied for last in the Western Conference, Westbrook delivered a productive campaign, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds across 76 appearances in his 18th NBA season, and took over as the team’s full-time starting point guard.

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Kings general manager Scott Perry had previously indicated a Westbrook return remained on the table heading into the offseason, saying the sides would stay in communication as they evaluated their options, and Westbrook himself said in the spring that he’d welcome the chance to return and continue serving as a veteran leader for Sacramento’s young core.

But as the Kings continue reshaping their roster around younger pieces — and after already parting ways with veteran DeMar DeRozan — a Westbrook reunion increasingly looks unlikely.

With the Kings seemingly out of the picture, Westbrook could have other options this time around.

The Miami Heat are expected to pursue Westbrook if they’re unable to land LeBron James in free agency. Westbrook, who won the NBA MVP in 2017 and has played for six teams over the past seven seasons, including a notable two-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers, remains unsigned as free agency continues.