Nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook has agreed to a contract with the Sacramento Kings, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday. The 36-year-old point guard, who declined his $3.5 million option with Denver this offseason, will sign for the veteran's minimum, fitting under Sacramento's $5.4 million luxury tax space.

The deal marks Westbrook's seventh team in seven years and returns him to California for his 18th NBA season. Charania noted Westbrook's ties to Kings stars Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, plus backcourt history with new addition Dennis Schroder.

Westbrook will hopefully be able to bolster a Sacramento bench that struggled during last season's 40-42 campaign. 

 

 

The Kings open the 2025-26 season on the road against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 22, as reported by Sean Cunningham, with Westbrook expected to back up Schroder while mentoring second-year guard Devin Carter. The team’s home opener follows against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 24 at Golden 1 Center.

For Kings fans, this move signals a push for Western Conference contention after two straight playoff misses.

Russell Westbrook Stats

Westbrook's scoring dipped 37% from his 2016-17 MVP peak (31.6 PPG), but playmaking endures (top-10 in assists four straight years). At 36, his 44.9% FG efficiency last season marks a career-best; expect similar volume in Sacramento's pace-and-space system, with steals rising alongside Schroder's pressure defense.

Career (1,237 G): 21.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.6 SPG | 43.6% FG, 30.5% 3PT

2024-25 Denver (75 G): 13.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.4 SPG | 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT

2025-26 Projection: 12-15 PPG, 5 RPG, 6 APG off bench.

 

 

 

Sacramento Kings Depth Chart

 Starter2nd3rd4th5th
PGDennis SchroderRussell WestbrookDevin CarterNique CliffordKeon Ellis
SGKeon EllisMalik Monk Zach LaVineDevin CarterNique Clifford
SFZach LaVineNique CliffordDeMar DeRozan Doug McDermottKeon Ellis
PFDeMar DeRozan Doug McDermottDario SaricIsaac JonesDaeqwon Plowden
CDomantas SabonisDrew EubanksDario SaricMaxime RaynaudIsaac Jones

Russell Westbrook Fantasy Basketball Outlook

Westbrook is a deep-league asset for 2025-26 redraft leagues, projecting 11-13 PPG, 5 RPG, 6 APG, and 1.2 SPG in 22-25 MPG.

His role behind Schroder in Sacramento’s top-5 pace offense ensures steady counting stats. In points leagues, he’s a late-round pick for assists and steals, but his 1.1 turnovers per 36 minutes and 32% three-point shooting hurt efficiency.

Head-to-head and ROTO leagues value his rebounding and multi-category output, making him a mid-round PG/UTIL target. In dynasty formats, his age (36) limits long-term value. 

Durable (75+ games in four of the last five seasons), he’s a safe bet for volume. Comparable to 2024-25 Patrick Beverley (10.5 PPG, 5 APG), Westbrook offers higher rebound and steal upside. 

Prioritize him off waivers if undrafted, especially if he gels with Monk and Carter early.

 

 

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