NBA Insider Predicts Russell Westbrook's Next Destination

The NBA's free agency period began all the way back on June 30, but some notable names are still on the market. Russell Westbrook is one of them, and a scout thinks he might remain unsigned come the start of the 2025-26 season. Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, though, predicts the 2017 NBA MVP will sign with the Sacramento Kings.

"Westbrook signs a two-year minimum deal with a player option in Sacramento."

Pincus points out that the Kings need a backup for Dennis Schroder, whom they signed to a three-year, $45 million deal this offseason. He reckons Westbrook would be a good fit in that role, and it seems like the Kings agree.

NBA insider Grant Afseth reported the Kings want Westbrook as their sixth man and were trying to trade Malik Monk to open up a roster spot. It seemed like a puzzling decision to part with Monk, and the Kings did come to their senses. They are now looking to bring in Westbrook without having to part with the shooting guard.

While going to the Kings wouldn't be a bad move for Westbrook, you do wonder if he regrets declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets for 2025-26. The Nuggets are going to be competing for an NBA championship, while the Kings certainly won't be.

A title is the only thing missing from Westbrook's resume at this point. He has won an MVP, as mentioned earlier, to go with two scoring titles and three assists titles.

Westbrook has also averaged a triple-double in four separate seasons, the most in NBA history. It would be a shame if he were to walk away without having ever won a championship, but a two-year deal with a player option means he could potentially make his way to a title contender in 2026 if he plays well next season.

Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game for the Nuggets in 2024-25. He had some great moments, but some frustrating ones as well, which is to be expected considering he is past his prime now.

Despite Westbrook no longer being the player he once was, Patrick Beverley claims it's disrespectful that he is still unsigned. Beverley also stated that his former teammate isn't a locker room cancer, as some have suggested, and is shocked that he is still without a team.

Nuggets' Aaron Gordon had also come to Westbrook's defense when a report stated that the two had an argument in the locker room. Gordon sang his teammate's praises and made it clear that disagreements aren't uncommon in the locker room.

Gordon also added that Westbrook is not only a great basketball player but an even better human being. Despite that endorsement, the Kings appear to be the only team with a serious interest in the guard at the moment. If they end up going in another direction, then you start to wonder about Westbrook's NBA future.

Pincus had Ben Simmons as a viable option for the Kings as well, and if they sign him, then you don't see too many potential landing spots for Westbrook.