Kings' Westbrook Addresses Uncertain Future, Potential Return

Veteran point guard open to re-signing with Sacramento after strong season as mentor to young core.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant purple, silver, and black colors representing the Sacramento Kings' official team palette.Westbrook's veteran leadership and playmaking skills could be invaluable for the Kings' young core as they look to build for the future.Today in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings veteran point guard Russell Westbrook addressed his uncertain future with the team, saying he would be open to returning next season if welcomed back. Westbrook, who turns 37 this year, had a solid season as the Kings' starting point guard and a valuable mentor to the team's young players despite their 22-60 record.

Why it matters

Westbrook's leadership and experience could be crucial for the Kings' young core as they look to build on this season and improve. Retaining him would provide stability and guidance, even if he is not the long-term answer at starting point guard.

The details

Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Kings this season after signing with the team just before the start of the year. He embraced his role as a veteran leader and mentor, helping the young players develop. While the Kings had a disappointing 22-60 season, Westbrook's presence was seen as a positive, and the team may look to re-sign him as a backup and locker room leader even if they pursue a long-term starting point guard.

  • The Kings wrapped up their 2025-26 season on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Players and media gathered for exit interviews on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Russell Westbrook

A 37-year-old veteran point guard who had a solid season as the Kings' starting point guard and a valuable mentor to the team's young players.

Maxime Raynaud

A rookie center for the Kings who praised Westbrook's ability to make his teammates better.

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What they’re saying

“It's been great for me here. If I'm welcomed back, then I'll be back. But that's not up to me. That's kind of how it's been for me the last couple summers and seasons, unfortunately. But we'll kind of see what happens at that point.”

— Russell Westbrook, Veteran Point Guard

“I think leadership is one of my best traits that I really enjoy the most, because you can see it year to year from young players, years down the line. ... Anytime I'm able to have an opportunity to do that, I look forward to it. If that's here, I embrace it and look forward to doing that, especially with the young guys we have here. I'm proud of how they ended the season, how they improved, given the time they were given, and I'm grateful for that.”

— Russell Westbrook, Veteran Point Guard

What’s next

The Kings will evaluate Westbrook's future with the team as they look to build around their young core and potentially pursue a long-term starting point guard in the offseason.

The takeaway

Retaining the veteran leadership and mentorship of Russell Westbrook could be crucial for the Kings as they look to develop their young players and improve on a disappointing 22-60 season. His experience and ability to make his teammates better make him a valuable asset, even if he is not the long-term answer at starting point guard.