Matt Johnson
Future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook was a late addition to the Sacramento Kings roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, signing a one-year deal in October. As he now prepares to enter NBA free agency again, a return could be on the table.
Speaking to reporters at his final press conference following Sunday’s regular-season finale, Westbrook said that he’ll play for the Kings again next season if he’s wanted back.
“If I’m welcomed back, then I’ll be back.”
Russell Westbrook on potentially re-signing with the Sacramento Kings via Sean Cunningham)
- Russell Westbrook stats (2025-26): 15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.7 APG
When Westbrook signed with Sacramento, the expectation was that he’d serve as the backup point guard behind free-agent signing Dennis Schroder. However, the 37-year-old guard eventually overtook Schroder as Sacramento’s starter.
For the first time since his 21-game stint with the Los Angeles Clippers back in the 2022-23 campaign, Westbrook averaged 15-plus points per game this season. He also finished with his highest total in three-pointers made per game (2.0) since the 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Westbrook seemed to be very well-liked in the locker room and his veteran presence certainly proved beneficial for young players like Dylan Cardwell, Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford.
Given the possibility of the Kings landing a cornerstone guard with a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, re-signing Westbrook could be the perfect way for the franchise to help ease the rookie along on a rebuilding team. Plus, given the lack of interest Westbrook drew in NBA free agency last summer, returning on a one-year minimum contract is a real possibility.
