The Sacramento Kings have been one of the more intriguing stories in the NBA over the past two seasons. After years of inconsistency and near irrelevance, they finally broke through in 2023 with their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. Led by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and a rapidly developing supporting cast, Sacramento has positioned itself as a rising team in the Western Conference. Yet, as the 2025 season approaches, reports suggest that the Kings may still be looking for ways to add veteran leadership and depth to complement their young stars. One name being floated is Russell Westbrook, the former MVP and nine-time All-Star, who remains a polarizing figure in the league. The big question is whether the Kings’ trade ambitions could actually align with bringing in Westbrook—and if such a move would be enough to push them over the hump in the West.
Sacramento’s Trade Outlook
The Kings have assets to work with. With Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and several future draft picks, Sacramento could explore trades for an impact player who strengthens their rotation. General manager Monte McNair has been praised for building a balanced roster, but he also understands the harsh reality of competing in a conference stacked with juggernauts like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns.
The front office knows that standing pat could mean being stuck in the dreaded middle tier: good enough for the playoffs, but not strong enough to make a serious championship push. That is why the Kings’ trade plans have become a central storyline. They may be less inclined to move on from their core trio of Fox, Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, but nearly everyone else could be in play if the right deal emerges.
Why Westbrook?
Russell Westbrook’s name continues to pop up whenever a team is searching for veteran spark and leadership. At 36, his athleticism is no longer what it once was, but Westbrook remains one of the most competitive players in the NBA. His energy, relentlessness, and willingness to embrace a bench role with the Clippers in recent seasons have reshaped his narrative from a ball-dominant star to a fiery role player who can change the momentum of games.
For the Kings, Westbrook could serve as a stabilizer for the second unit. While Davion Mitchell and Malik Monk have shown flashes, Sacramento sometimes struggles when Fox sits. Adding Westbrook as a floor general off the bench could give them a jolt in tempo and toughness. His ability to attack the rim, draw fouls, and rebound from the guard position would address some of the team’s deficiencies.
More importantly, Westbrook has an edge and leadership style that could resonate with a young roster still learning how to consistently win in the postseason. The Kings have skill and spacing, but they lack someone with Westbrook’s battle-tested experience—someone who has played in the NBA Finals and alongside the game’s best.
Potential Obstacles
Despite the potential fit, bringing Westbrook to Sacramento isn’t straightforward. First, there is the financial aspect. While Westbrook is no longer commanding max-level contracts, his salary and trade value still require careful maneuvering. The Kings would need to match contracts in any trade, potentially involving players like Huerter or Barnes—two rotation pieces who provide shooting and spacing, areas where Westbrook is weakest.
Second, there is the matter of fit. Westbrook’s career has always been defined by his strengths and weaknesses: relentless energy and playmaking on one side, inconsistent shooting and turnovers on the other. The Kings are built around spacing the floor for Fox and Sabonis to operate. Adding a non-shooter like Westbrook could clog the lane unless he is used exclusively in bench lineups.
Finally, there’s the question of expectations. Would Westbrook accept a limited role on a team where Fox is the clear floor leader? His willingness to adapt with the Clippers suggests yes, but Sacramento is in a very different position than Los Angeles. The Kings are hungry, ambitious, and still proving themselves, while the Clippers were an established veteran team. Managing egos and roles will be crucial.
Is It Enough?
Even if the Kings do land Westbrook, the bigger question looms: would it be enough to vault them into true contention? The honest answer is: probably not by itself. Westbrook could improve their depth and provide invaluable playoff grit, but he is no longer a star who can tilt an entire series.
For Sacramento to seriously contend, they may need more than just Westbrook. Another defensive-minded wing or a high-level 3-and-D player would help balance their roster. Still, Westbrook could be the kind of locker room presence who accelerates their growth and helps Fox and Sabonis take the next step in maturity. Sometimes, a move isn’t about numbers—it’s about intangibles, and Westbrook has those in spades.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, the Kings’ decision on Westbrook will signal how they view their timeline. If they believe their current core is ready to compete right now, they may take the risk of adding a volatile but proven veteran. If they are playing the long game, they may instead hold their assets for a younger star who becomes available down the line.
Westbrook himself would likely welcome a chance to mentor younger players and be part of an underdog story. Few things would fit better with his relentless “never back down” persona than helping the Kings break their ceiling and prove doubters wrong.
In the end, the Kings’ trade plans may or may not open the door for Westbrook. But the mere fact that his name is in the conversation underscores how far Sacramento has come—from a forgotten franchise to one that now attracts attention from players with championship-level experience. Whether it’s Westbrook or another veteran, one thing is clear: the Kings are no longer content just making the playoffs. They want more—and the next move they make could define their future.
