Sacramento Kings Have Three Potential Buyout Candidates

Aging veterans Russell Westbrook, Drew Eubanks, and Doug McDermott could be on the move as the Kings look to the future.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 9:15pm

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The Sacramento Kings held onto several veteran players at the trade deadline, including Russell Westbrook, Drew Eubanks, and Doug McDermott. These three players have been identified as potential buyout candidates, as they no longer fit the Kings' rebuilding plans.

Why it matters

The Kings are the worst team in the NBA this season, and keeping aging veterans like Westbrook, Eubanks, and McDermott on the roster may not be the best use of their resources as they look to the future. Buying out these players could allow them to find new homes on contending teams and give the Kings more flexibility to develop their younger players.

The details

Russell Westbrook, the future Hall of Fame point guard, has been ranked as the top buyout candidate by The Athletic's John Hollinger. Despite Westbrook's strong individual play this season, he does not fit the Kings' rebuilding timeline. Drew Eubanks and Doug McDermott have also been identified as potential buyout candidates, as they have fallen down the depth chart and no longer have a clear role on the team.

  • Westbrook was acquired by the Kings in the offseason.
  • Eubanks signed a one-year deal with the Kings in free agency prior to the season.
  • McDermott has played a limited role for the Kings this season, appearing in just 11 games.

The players

Russell Westbrook

A future Hall of Fame point guard who was acquired by the Kings in the offseason, despite being 37 years old and nearing the end of his career.

Drew Eubanks

A 29-year-old center who signed a one-year deal with the Kings in free agency, but has fallen down the depth chart due to the emergence of younger players.

Doug McDermott

A 34-year-old forward who has played a limited role for the Kings this season, appearing in just 11 games.

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What they’re saying

“The Russ Show isn't for everyone, and his fit on a contender can be clunky if it doesn't need whatever-you-can-get-us shot creation at a modest efficiency clip. Still, Westbrook has had a decent year for an indecent team, and at 37 there's no reason for him to be in the rebuilding Kings' plans.”

— John Hollinger, Analyst

“His numbers are way down this year, and he's only played four minutes in the last month while two rookies moved ahead of him in the center rotation. Not great.”

— John Hollinger, Analyst

“Not really sure why he's still on the team, but you do you, Sacramento.”

— John Hollinger, Analyst

What’s next

The Kings will likely keep Westbrook, Eubanks, and McDermott on the roster for the remainder of the season, as they do not need to waive any of them to create a roster spot. However, it is worth monitoring if the Kings will make any changes to their roster as they approach the All-Star break.

The takeaway

The Kings' decision to hold onto their veteran players at the trade deadline highlights the team's struggles this season. Buying out Westbrook, Eubanks, and McDermott could allow the Kings to focus on developing their younger players and give the veterans a chance to contribute to a contending team.