Russell Westbrook Signs One-Year Contract with Sacramento Kings

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Russell Westbrook Signs One-Year Contract with Sacramento Kings

After much speculation, Russell Westbrook has officially signed a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings. This agreement was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and has been corroborated by various sources. The deal is set to be finalized on Thursday.

Contract Details

While the specific financial details remain undisclosed, the contract is presumed to be fully guaranteed at the veteran minimum of $3.6 million. This arrangement allows the Kings to remain $1.8 million under the luxury tax threshold.

Player Background

At 37 years old, Westbrook had not accepted a $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets, making him a free agent. During the previous season, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists per game. Despite being an aging player, his intense energy continues to impact games significantly.

Team Fit and Expectations

The Kings sought depth at the point guard position, particularly behind Dennis Schroder, making Westbrook a fitting choice. Sacramento has expressed optimism regarding Westbrook’s potential contribution, especially after exercising a third-year option on him. They are looking to enhance their bench strength with Westbrook joining Malik Monk and Doug McDermott.

Starting Lineup Overview

The Kings have a promising starting lineup that includes:

  • Dennis Schroder
  • Zach LaVine
  • Domantas Sabonis
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Keon Ellis

This season could bring roster changes as the Kings adapt following the previous trade of De’Aaron Fox, signaling a broader retooling effort.