After spending one season with the Denver Nuggets, nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook declined his $3.4 million player option to enter free agency. While he had a strong year in Denver, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 75 appearances, Westbrook remains unsigned as September nears.

Now 36 years old, Westbrook is entering his 18th NBA season. While he is no longer the perennial MVP candidate he was during his prime, Westbrook was the only player last season to average at least 10 points, six assists and four rebounds in less than 30 minutes per game (via NBA Stats).

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

While his market in free agency has been anything but robust, Westbrook may have at least one suitor. Throughout the summer, the Sacramento Kings have been named a potential landing spot for the former UCLA star.

Russell Westbrook to Sacramento Kings Receives New Update

Earlier this offseason, it was reported by Matt George of ABC10 Sacramento that the Kings were looking to trade one of Malik Monk or Devin Carter to create an opening for Westbrook. However, it was reported on Sunday by NBA insider Marc Stein that Monk is not expected to be dealt by Sacramento.

That said, the Kings’ interest in Westbrook remains legitimate.

“After Sacramento explored various trade scenarios earlier this summer involving Malik Monk, league sources say that the Kings are not actively engaged in such trade talks now,” Stein wrote. “The Kings have maintained an interest in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, sources say, but I’m told that they have indeed explored the possibility of creating a backcourt opening for Westbrook by other means rather than dealing Monk.”

If the Kings remain interested in Westbrook, but are not looking to trade Monk, that leaves Carter as the potential odd man out in Sacramento. The 2024 lottery pick just completed his rookie season, but could now be on the move.

It was reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype in June that Sacramento had gauged the trade market for Carter. This was before the Westbrook rumors, but the Kings showing interest in moving their 23-year-old guard is not new.

Why Kings Could Replace Devin Carter With Russell Westbrook

Carter was selected No. 13 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by Sacramento. He appeared in 36 games his rookie season, averaging 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists. He is the son of Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Anthony Carter, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA from 1999 to 2012.

While Carter did not have a strong rookie campaign, he possesses upside. The 6-foot-2 guard was named the 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year, and drew comparisons to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White in his pre-draft projection (via NBA.com). That said, Westbrook was undeniably the better player last season.

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Despite his flaws, Westbrook was part of some elite Nuggets lineups. Per the NBA’s official lineup data, there were 104 five-man combinations that played at least 100 minutes together last season. The group of Westbrook, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic owned the third-best net rating (23.5) among all of them.

Carter may be a better longterm investment than a soon-to-be 37-year-old Westbrook, but if the Kings are enamored with competing in the Western Conference next season, making room for another veteran could make sense.

The 2024 NBA offseason has been a whirlwind of rumors, signings, and surprise moves, but few stories have captured as much attention as the uncertainty surrounding Russell Westbrook’s future. Once one of the most electrifying players in the league, Westbrook now finds himself at a career crossroads, with teams weighing his veteran experience against concerns about his locker-room presence and fit in today’s game. The speculation reached a new peak when reports linked him to the Sacramento Kings, sparking conversation that one of the 2024 lottery picks may soon be on the move. The idea that a newly drafted talent might already be bracing for a trade underscores just how unpredictable and ruthless NBA roster maneuvering can be.

Westbrook has always been a polarizing figure. His MVP season with Oklahoma City in 2017 remains unforgettable, but the years since have been marked by both highlight moments and difficult adjustments. Critics have pointed to declining efficiency, his stubborn style of play, and reports of off-court tension with teammates. Still, his energy, leadership, and ability to push the pace make him attractive to a franchise that believes it can maximize his skills. The Kings, who have struggled to advance past the first round despite assembling a promising young core, appear to see Westbrook as the kind of veteran presence who could inject urgency and experience into their locker room. The issue is that adding him requires sacrifices, and those sacrifices may involve players who were just drafted and are expected to represent the future.

Russell Westbrook shows he still has an elite gear to his game for Washington Wizards - ESPN

The phrase “bracing for a trade” captures a sense of unease that many lottery picks feel once they enter the league. Draft night is filled with dreams of becoming a franchise cornerstone, but the reality of the NBA is that contracts, roster balance, and front office priorities can shift overnight. In this case, a 2024 lottery pick who was excited to join a rebuilding project may suddenly find himself a bargaining chip in a Westbrook deal. It’s a sobering reminder that even highly touted rookies are not immune to the business side of basketball. For fans, it stings to think a new talent might not even get the chance to suit up for the team that drafted him.

Sacramento’s interest in Westbrook stems from their desire to complement De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with another veteran who can handle the ball and take pressure off their stars. The Kings have shown flashes of being a top-tier team in the West, but inconsistency and defensive lapses have kept them from becoming true contenders. Adding a player like Westbrook could, in theory, provide stability to their second unit while also giving them another proven competitor in high-stakes games. The trade-off, though, is that the Kings may have to move a young player before fully evaluating what he brings to the table. That’s where the lottery pick enters the conversation.

The concept of trading a lottery pick so soon after the draft isn’t unprecedented. History is filled with examples of rookies being moved immediately to satisfy short-term goals. Kobe Bryant, for instance, was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets but traded to the Lakers before ever playing a game. More recently, players like Trae Young and Luka Dončić were exchanged on draft night in deals that altered the league’s landscape. For the Kings, sending away a 2024 lottery pick would be less about giving up on talent and more about leveraging assets for immediate impact. Still, for the player involved, it feels like a cold welcome to the NBA, where business often overshadows sentiment.

Westbrook’s fit with Sacramento isn’t without questions. He thrives with the ball in his hands, which could conflict with Fox’s role as the team’s primary playmaker. His shooting limitations could also impact spacing, particularly in an offense that relies heavily on Sabonis’ ability to facilitate from the post. However, the Kings may be betting on his intangibles — toughness, leadership, and relentless energy. In the grind of an 82-game season, having someone who sets the competitive tone every night can be invaluable. Sacramento might believe that whatever they lose in spacing, they gain in grit and edge.

For the lottery pick in question, the looming trade rumors can be overwhelming. Young players often talk about the pressure of simply adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA. To add trade speculation before even logging meaningful minutes only amplifies the stress. Yet, in a strange way, it can also serve as validation. If teams are willing to move you in a deal for a player of Westbrook’s stature, it shows you are a valued asset. While it may not be the debut they imagined, being part of trade conversations this early is a sign of relevance in a league where prospects can easily fade from the spotlight.

Fans of the Kings are divided on the situation. Some argue that trading away a lottery pick would be a mistake, robbing the team of long-term growth for the sake of a short-term gamble. Others believe Sacramento is in a unique position to contend now and should seize the opportunity by adding a player with Westbrook’s experience. Both perspectives have merit. The question ultimately becomes whether the Kings see themselves as a win-now team or one still building toward a future window. Their decision on Westbrook and the lottery pick will reveal a lot about the direction of the franchise.

Meanwhile, Westbrook himself has remained publicly quiet about the rumors, though history suggests he thrives on proving doubters wrong. Each time analysts have declared his career finished, he has found ways to stay relevant, whether through resurgent stretches or key playoff performances. For him, a trade to Sacramento would be another chance to redefine his legacy, moving from former MVP to veteran leader guiding a young team to new heights. Whether fans believe in that vision or not, his presence alone guarantees headlines and attention.

The broader implications of this story highlight how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. A 2024 lottery pick who spent months preparing for his big break may soon find himself in an entirely different city, tasked with proving his worth all over again. For the Kings, the decision will shape their trajectory for the next several years. Add Westbrook and they may gain immediate relevance, but lose a piece of their future. Hold on to the lottery pick and they maintain their long-term promise but risk falling short again in the short term. It’s the kind of dilemma that defines front office leadership.

As the offseason rolls on, all eyes will be on Sacramento and the ripple effects of the Westbrook rumors. Will they prioritize veteran stability or youthful upside? Will the lottery pick find himself uprooted before his career even begins? One thing is certain: the drama captures everything that makes the NBA fascinating. It’s a league where talent, personality, and business collide daily, producing storylines that rival any scripted drama. And in this case, a rookie bracing for a trade after the Russell Westbrook report is just the latest reminder that in professional basketball, nothing is guaranteed.