Why Kings signing is best for Russell Westbrook, OKC

Veteran guard Russell Westbrook agreed to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings less than a week before the regular season, ending speculation surrounding his potential reunion with Oklahoma City Thunder. Although there have been no reports supporting his possible return, NBA analysts opposed Westbrook’s return to the Thunder. Here are a few reasons why.

For starters, the Thunder are in no position to offer Westbrook a definitive role. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a talented backfield, which he shares with Lou Dort in the starting lineup, while Kaison Wallace, Alex Caruso and Ajay Mitchell rotate. If Oklahoma City brought in Westbrook, he wouldn’t play, which wouldn’t be ideal for Russell.

Playing time, or lack thereof, was a contributing factor to Westbrook leaving the Denver Nuggets during the offseason. And for a player of Westbrook’s size, a former MVP who has proven he can still produce for a top team in a supporting role, he still has something to contribute off the bench, so the Kings make a lot of sense.

Westbrook will be reunited with Dennis Schroder, with whom he shared the backcourt during his final years with the Thunder while on a team with Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Keon Ellis. In a competitive Western Conference, the Kings will compete for a playoff spot.

It’s not a significant step closer to Westbrook’s chances of winning his first championship, but it will keep him busy and productive in a veteran-led backcourt struggling to make a move amid the franchise’s growth.

Carmelo Anthony says Russell Westbrook can’t return to the Thunder

Hall of Fame forward Carmelo Anthony offered an All-Star prospect why Russell Westbrook couldn’t return to the championship Thunder. As a retired star who survived the final stages of his Hall of Fame career, Anthony knows what it’s like to be in Westbrook’s shoes, in the twilight of an impressive career, but still able to produce in a supporting role.

Anthony explained where Westbrook was is in his careerat 7 pm in Brooklyn.

“There’s a difference between chasing the ring and still having to enjoy this game,” Anthony said. “You’re fucking chasing a ring right now. You can’t bring back the greatest player. He’s gone and then he’s back and then he’s not playing? No. As a player, I know I can still play. Hell no. Dame’s back in Portland because Dame’s going to be back healthy and playing. CP’s back with the Clippers because CP’s going to be back.”

Carmelo says Russell Westbrook could help a lot of teams in the NBA right now besides the Thunder:

“He can’t go from being the greatest player in franchise history to maybe playing or not playing.”

(via @7PMinBrooklyn)pic.twitter.com/N7kh4saDT2

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 12, 2025

The Kings will face the Lakers in their final preseason game on Friday. No word on whether Westbrook will be available.