Kings, Russell Westbrook still showing strong mutual interest

Russell Westbrook continues to be linked to the Kings. If he ever actually signs with them … well, that remains the question.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today (via The Westbrook Era) that there’s “strong mutual interest” between Westbrook and the Kings, who are still searching for a backup point guard.

“Look, I’m told there is strong mutual interest between Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings,” Charania said. “And the Kings have a need for a reserve point guard. They were 29th in bench points, 29th in bench assists last season.

“Russell Westbrook helps with that, and he’s got relationships across that organization. Domantas Sabonis, he’s close with, played with him. He played with Dennis Schroder as well, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine.

“They have L.A. ties as well. B.J. Armstrong, the new assistant general manager there, he knows from the agency side, and he does have respect with Scott Perry, their new general manager, and Doug Christie, their new head coach. We’ll see if a deal gets done before the start of the season or during this upcoming year.”

Westbrook, who turns 37 next month, remains unsigned two weeks into the preseason. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games with the Nuggets last season.

Since 2019, the former MVP has played for the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers and Nuggets — and has been traded to the Jazz and waived twice.

But from the sounds of things, he may finally have a new landing spot soon. And honestly, the Kings could probably use some energy and experience off the bench.