Jan 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after being called for an offensive foul during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New Report on Unexpected Team Interested in Russell Westbrook

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 7:04 PM ET

NBA free agency has finally begun, and while no deals were announced within the first few minutes, plenty of extensions and deals have come since. While the Memphis Grizzlies prioritized locking up their homegrown talents, the Houston Rockets landed 3&D wing Dorian Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers.

While this free agency class might not have any All-Stars in it, it does have some players who can play big roles on championship-level teams. In the right situation, Russell Westbrook can be that type of player, as he was for the Denver Nuggets this past season. But now, a surprise team has emerged as a suitor for him, setting up a meeting with him.

Haynes: Kings arrange meetings with Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder; looking to acquire both players.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 30, 2025

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Sacramento Kings are arranging free agent meetings with Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder, adding that the Kings are looking to acquire both players if possible. After trading away De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster trade deadline deal, the Kings are desperate to add a lead guard.

Westbrook, now five years removed from his last All-Star selection, would be an interesting fit for the Kings. Even though he had his moments as a three-point shooter this season, he's not exactly a floor spacer, and Sacramento needs more spacing. While Schroder is a better shooter, he's not significantly better.

Sources: Sacramento Kings have arranged meetings via zoom to talk with Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook. Kings looking to acquire both, but have other point guard options to speak with.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2025

Regardless, both Schroder and Westbrook have been around winning situations, and can bring veteran leadership and culture change to a Kings team that needs so.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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