2024 NBA Lottery Pick Bracing for Trade After Russell Westbrook Report

While his market in free agency has been anything but robust, Westbrook may have at least one suitor. Throughout the summer, the Sacramento Kings have been named a potential landing spot for the former UCLA star.

Russell Westbrook to Sacramento Kings Receives New Update

Earlier this offseason, it was reported by Matt George of ABC10 Sacramento that the Kings were looking to trade one of Malik Monk or Devin Carter to create an opening for Westbrook. However, it was reported on Sunday by NBA insider Marc Stein that Monk is not expected to be dealt by Sacramento.

That said, the Kings' interest in Westbrook remains legitimate.

"After Sacramento explored various trade scenarios earlier this summer involving Malik Monk, league sources say that the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks now," Stein wrote. "The Kings have maintained an interest in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, sources say, but I'm told that they have indeed explored the possibility of creating a backcourt opening for Westbrook by other means rather than dealing Monk."

If the Kings remain interested in Westbrook, but are not looking to trade Monk, that leaves Carter as the potential odd man out in Sacramento. The 2024 lottery pick just completed his rookie season, but could now be on the move.

It was reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype in June that Sacramento had gauged the trade market for Carter. This was before the Westbrook rumors, but the Kings showing interest in moving their 23-year-old guard is not new.

Why Kings Could Replace Devin Carter With Russell Westbrook

Carter was selected No. 13 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by Sacramento. He appeared in 36 games his rookie season, averaging 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists. He is the son of Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Anthony Carter, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA from 1999 to 2012.

While Carter did not have a strong rookie campaign, he possesses upside. The 6-foot-2 guard was named the 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year, and drew comparisons to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White in his pre-draft projection (via NBA.com). That said, Westbrook was undeniably the better player last season.

Despite his flaws, Westbrook was part of some elite Nuggets lineups. Per the NBA's official lineup data , there were 104 five-man combinations that played at least 100 minutes together last season. The group of Westbrook, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic owned the third-best net rating (23.5) among all of them.

Carter may be a better longterm investment than a soon-to-be 37-year-old Westbrook, but if the Kings are enamored with competing in the Western Conference next season, making room for another veteran could make sense.