NBA Rumors: Kings, Russell Westbrook, Raptors, Deandre Ayton

Even after reaching a deal with veteran guard Dennis Schroder, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly not done addressing their backcourt.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Kings continue to show interest in nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook, who spent last season with the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook, 35, appeared in 75 games with Denver and provided a spark in spurts, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He shot 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from three, while posting a 66.1% mark at the foul line.

Westbrook is not expected to return to the Nuggets, and Sacramento — still looking to stabilize its bench scoring and veteran leadership — could see a fit for the former MVP.

Toronto Taps Into Size, Inks Mamukelashvili

The Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement with free agent forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili on a two-year, $5.5 million deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The contract includes a player option for the second season and is expected to fall under the minimum exception, rounded up from approximately $5.26 million.

Mamukelashvili, 26, carved out a niche as a skilled, high-motor big with the San Antonio Spurs after beginning his career with the Bucks. Though he played in 61 games last season, his minutes were limited, averaging just 11.2 per contest. In that time, he posted 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds while flashing a bit of floor-spacing ability and ball movement from the frontcourt.

Ayton’s Exit From Portland Raises Eyebrows

Deandre Ayton’s tenure in Portland has come to a sudden, and perhaps predictable, end.

The Trail Blazers bought out the remainder of his contract before the start of free agency, and while the financials raised questions, sources tell Jason Quick of The Athletic that Ayton’s attitude played a significant role.

Among the concerns: Ayton was reportedly late to team flights and practices, skipped rehab appointments, and reacted poorly when benched for what coaches viewed as poor effort. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick also failed to grasp his changing role, still viewing himself as a franchise cornerstone despite inconsistency on both ends of the floor.

It’s the second time in less than a year that a team has decided the Ayton experiment wasn’t worth the trouble — first Phoenix, now Portland. And while the talent is undeniable, front offices across the league will need to consider whether that upside outweighs the reported baggage.