Russell Westbrook’s Kings Signing: Is This The Do-Or-Die Season?
Russell Westbrook’s signing with the Sacramento Kings for the 2025-26 season has all the hallmarks of a pivotal moment: a one-year veteran minimum deal, a new team, and perhaps the last genuine opportunity to recapture the momentum of a once-dominant career.
Below are the current standings, why this matters for both players and franchises, and what to watch this season.
What Exactly Happened Between Russell Westbrook And The Sacramento Kings?
Westbrook inked a one-year deal worth around $3.6 million with Sacramento, making this his 18th season in the NBA.
He joins the Kings after a 2024-25 campaign with the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 75 games while shooting 44.9 % from the field.
Interestingly, he spent several months unsigned during the free agency period, which speaks volumes about how the market views his current value.
Sacramento’s front office hopes his veteran presence will help fill gaps — particularly in bench scoring and playmaking — from a squad that struggled in those areas last season.
Why Does This Signing Matter A Lot For Russell Westbrook?
For Westbrook’s legacy
Westbrook is one of the most decorated guards in NBA history, having won the 2017 MVP award, been a nine-time All-Star, and set the all-time record for triple-doubles.
Yet, despite those accolades, a championship title eludes him. This season might act as a last realistic window to contribute meaningfully on a team with playoff hopes
2. For the Sacramento Kings’ ambitions
Sacramento has been seeking to re-establish itself as a playoff team. The addition of Westbrook sends a message: they’re adding experienced players to support younger pieces, and possibly accelerate contention.
They ranked 28th in bench scoring and 29th in bench assists last season — clear areas for improvement. Westbrook’s role is partly about addressing those deficits.
Is This Truly A “Do-Or-Die” Season?
Yes, because:
- At almost 37 years old and in his 18th season, Westbrook’s physical prime is behind him. The window is shrinking.
- The deal is just one year, which suggests no long-term safety net for him or the team if things don’t go well.
Final take
For Russell Westbrook, this signing with the Kings represents a final—or at least very significant—opportunity to continue contributing at a high level and add something meaningful to his legacy.
For the Kings, it’s a move to inject seasoned leadership and perhaps make the leap from contender fringe to legitimate contender.
Russell Westbrook’s Kings Signing: Is This The Do-Or-Die Season?
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