Kings GM Praises Westbrook's Impact, Hints at Potential Return

Sacramento GM Scott Perry expresses desire to bring back veteran guard Russell Westbrook for another season.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic energy and movement of the game.The Kings' embrace of veteran leadership and mentorship from Russell Westbrook could prove invaluable as the team aims to develop its young core.Today in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry praised veteran point guard Russell Westbrook's impact on the team's young core this past season and hinted at the possibility of Westbrook returning to the Kings next year. Despite Westbrook's uncertain future as an unrestricted free agent, Perry emphasized his appreciation for Westbrook's leadership and competitiveness, suggesting the Kings will work to keep the 37-year-old guard in Sacramento.

Why it matters

Westbrook's future with the Kings is a key storyline this offseason, as the former MVP has played for multiple teams in recent years. His potential return would provide continuity and veteran guidance for Sacramento's young roster as they look to build on their progress from this past season.

The details

In his exit interview, Westbrook said he would be open to returning to the Kings if he was 'welcomed back.' Kings GM Scott Perry responded by praising Westbrook's impact, saying he 'loved working with Russell Westbrook this year' and that the veteran guard 'was at the head of the class' in terms of pouring into the team's young players. Perry expressed regret that he didn't have the chance to work with Westbrook earlier in his career, and indicated the Kings will keep communication open with the guard this offseason to see if a deal can be reached for him to return.

  • Westbrook made the comments about his future during his exit interview on Monday, April 15, 2026.
  • Perry made his comments about Westbrook on Wednesday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Russell Westbrook

A future Hall of Fame point guard who signed a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings last offseason after being passed around the league in recent years.

Scott Perry

The general manager of the Sacramento Kings who praised Westbrook's impact on the team's young core and expressed a desire to potentially re-sign the veteran guard.

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What they’re saying

“Russell's always welcome with me. I loved working with Russell Westbrook this year. I mean, he was phenomenal. I can't say enough—obviously, I talked about Doug [Christie]'s leadership and his ability to help the young people, but a lot of that development doesn't happen without guys like Russell.”

— Scott Perry, Kings General Manager

“All of these veteran guys poured into our young people, and Russ was at the head of the class for that. Extremely competitive. I wish I had an opportunity to work with Russell earlier in my career as well, because I really like what he stands for. Again, we will keep the lines of communication open, and we will see what happens and what's available to us this offseason.”

— Scott Perry, Kings General Manager

What’s next

The Kings will continue discussions with Westbrook this offseason to determine if he will return to the team for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Westbrook's potential return to the Kings would provide valuable veteran leadership and guidance for Sacramento's young core as they look to build on their progress from this past season. While Westbrook's future remains uncertain, the Kings' front office has made it clear they value his impact and want to keep him in Sacramento.