Both Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings enter the 2025-26 NBA season facing uncertain futures. For the Kings, forward Keegan Murray suffered a UCL injury in his thumb during his preseason debut, leaving a major gap in a roster looking to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook still remains a free agent following a good 2024-25 season, putting his NBA future in jeopardy.

The two parties might be a good match for each other, but a new wrinkle puts their union in question.

To address both current needs and future planning, the Kings have exercised the third-year option on sophomore guard Devin Carter, who was the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft. Carter suffered from an injury shortened rookie season, but showed flashes of versatility and defense in his 36 games played.

During his final year at Providence College, Carter averaged 19.7 points while also maintaining 1.8 steals, starting every single game he played. For his performances, he was named the Big East Player of the Year in 2023-24, and will now be paid $5.2 million in his third season.

Westbrook, meanwhile, could fill a major rotational hole for the Kings. His aggressive style and ability to collapse defenses could help with Sacramento’s halfcourt offense, as well as their bench, which ranked dead last in bench points per game last season. ESPN insider Shams Charania has already reported that there remains a strong mutual interest between the two parties. While he might not be a permanent stop-gap, his veteran presence offers the energy to speed up transition-based lineups.

Despite the option being exercised, Carter’s signing is a mild surprise. There were rumors that the new front office under GM Scott Perry would be hesitant to take his option since, even as the 13th pick, he was drafted by the previous regime under Monte McNair.

As the Kings navigate this period of adversity, the combination of Carter’s development and the possible addition of Westbrook showcases how Sacramento can balance short-term needs with long-term growth.

Russell Westbrook Could Be the Sacramento Kings’ Missing Link

Russell Westbrook’s arrival in Sacramentio, if it materializes, would be the latest in a series of big names for the Kings. His fit next to the interior dominant DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis remains questionable, though him and Sabonis could recreate some of the two-man game that Westbrook mastered alongside Jokic last year.

His fit is significantly better next to Zach LaVine, who shot over 44% from three last year, as well as bench lineups alongside Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder and Devin Carter is much better, because all of them can thrive due to Westbrook’s ability to pressure the rim and find open teammates.

Westbrook’s recent career decisions show that he’s still willing to bet on himself. According to insider Carmichael Dave, “He may have an offer in China for about half a season, and it’s damn near quadruple what the Kings could offer him.”

However, according to Marc Stein, “There has been ‘zero discussion’ to date about him weighing interest to play abroad this season, league sources say. He’d naturally generate a slew of overseas offers if he was open to them, but I’m told that securing his next NBA opportunity has been the focus for Westbrook’s camp.” Money is not the motivating factor for Russ, and that he can still produce for a championship contender is what Westbrook is now out to prove.