Russell Westbrook Joins Kings for NBA Season 18/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russell Westbrook has agreed to join the Sacramento Kings for his 18th NBA season. The 36-year-old former MVP brings veteran experience and record-breaking stats to the roster. Westbrook, still beloved by fans, aims for another impactful chapter in his career.
Russell Westbrook Joins Kings + Quick Looks
- Westbrook signs with the Sacramento Kings for his 18th season.
- Former MVP holds the NBA record with 203 triple-doubles.
- Ranks 20th in all-time points and 8th in assists.
- Deal confirmed by agent Jeff Schwartz, per ESPN.
- Kings have not formally announced the signing.
- Westbrook averaged 13.3 PPG last season with Denver.
- Previously played for OKC, Houston, Washington, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets.
- Fans in Oklahoma City continue to show strong support.
Russell Westbrook Joins Kings for NBA Season 18
Deep Look
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook is headed to the Sacramento Kings, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to officially announce the signing.
Westbrook’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed the agreement to ESPN earlier Wednesday, though he declined immediate comment to the AP.
At 36 years old, Westbrook enters his 18th NBA season, bringing with him one of the most decorated and dynamic careers in modern basketball history. A nine-time All-Star and former scoring champion, Westbrook is best known for his relentless energy, elite playmaking, and triple-double dominance.
Record-Breaking Career Milestones
Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles with 203, a mark that redefined modern versatility. He also ranks:
- 20th in career points with 26,205
- 8th in career assists with 9,925
- Holds career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists
He became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over an entire season — and did so for three consecutive years, a feat unmatched in league history.
Westbrook’s NBA Journey: From Thunder to Kings
Westbrook began his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he formed one of the league’s most explosive duos with Kevin Durant. After Durant’s departure to the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook won MVP in 2017, averaging a triple-double that season and leading the league in scoring.
Since leaving OKC, Westbrook has played for:
- Houston Rockets
- Washington Wizards
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Denver Nuggets (2024–25 season)
In Denver, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists last season and played a key veteran role during their playoff run.
Despite bouncing between teams in recent years, Westbrook remains one of the league’s most respected veterans, with a passion for the game that continues to resonate with fans and teammates alike.
A New Chapter in Sacramento
The move to Sacramento gives the Kings a seasoned playmaker and former MVP to add to a young and competitive roster looking to make a deeper playoff push.
With De’Aaron Fox leading the charge and Domantas Sabonis anchoring the paint, Westbrook’s leadership and court vision could provide a critical boost to Sacramento’s postseason hopes.
While his role with the Kings has yet to be defined, Westbrook’s veteran presence will undoubtedly serve as a mentor to younger players and a spark plug off the bench or in late-game situations.
Still a Fan Favorite in OKC
Though Westbrook’s journey has taken him across the NBA map, he still receives standing ovations in Oklahoma City, where he remains an icon for his loyalty, work ethic, and unmatched competitiveness.
During the 2025 Western Conference semifinals, fans cheered Westbrook when he returned to face the Thunder as a member of the Nuggets — a rare show of support for a visiting player.
What’s Next?
The Sacramento Kings have yet to issue a formal statement, but Westbrook’s addition signals their intent to bolster the backcourt with experienced depth.
For Westbrook, Sacramento may represent a final opportunity to chase an elusive championship while continuing to impact the game with his signature intensity.
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