Future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook was a late addition to the Sacramento Kings roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, signing a one-year deal in October. As he is now preparing to enter NBA free agency again, a comeback may be in the offing.
Speaking to reporters in his final press conference following Sunday's regular season finale, Westbrook said he would play for the Kings again next season if he wanted back.
"If I'm welcomed back I'll come back."
Russell Westbrook on potentially re-signing with the Sacramento Kings via Shawn Cunningham)
- Russell Westbrook Stats (2025-26): 15.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.7 apg
When Westbrook signed with Sacramento, the expectation was that he would serve as the backup point guard behind the signing of free-agent Dennis Schroder. However, the 37-year-old guard ultimately overtook Schroder as Sacramento's starter.
For the first time since his 21-game stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2022-23 campaign, Westbrook averaged more than 15 points per game this season. He finished with his highest total in three-pointers made per game (2.0) since the 2016–17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Westbrook was well-liked in the locker room and his veteran presence certainly proved an advantage to younger players like Dylan Cardwell, Maxime Renaud and Nick Clifford.
Given the possibility of the Kings landing the cornerstone guard with the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, re-signing Westbrook could be the perfect way for the franchise to help ease the new player into a rebuilding team. Additionally, given Westbrook's lack of interest in NBA free agency last summer, a return to a one-year minimum contract is a real possibility.
