Big Turn of Events In The Works for Russell Westbrook

We've learned over the past couple of weeks that Russell Westbrook has an extremely depressed market in free agency this summer. In fact, a couple of teams from overseas have been linked to the former nine-time All-Star. And some front office types have warned other teams to "stay away" from Westbrook.

The Sacramento Kings, who Westbrook played for last season, were said not to be interested in bringing him back as well. But now a new report from insider Jake Fischer has revealed a big turn of events on that front, and there might an NBA home for Westbrook after all, as the Kings are apparently having second thoughts.

REPORT: The Kings are considering bringing back Russell Westbrook and also have interest in signing Victor Oladipo, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/mDnDU2NfYt

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 4, 2026

Turns out the Kings are indeed looking for a veteran guard to slot in behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who was their 7th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. The 19-year-old could use an old grizzled hand to lean on when the going gets tough in his first pro season, and it's possible, writes Fischer, that Sacramento is considering bringing Westbrook back to support Acuff Jr. on the court, while being a bit of a mentor for him as well. 

Russell Westbrook, a mentor? Who'd have thought? 

The 37-year-old vet averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game with the Kings last season, so he's still able to contribute on the court. But with the talk that he's "difficult to coach", is that a good example to set for Acuff Jr.? 

Acuff, the SEC Player of the Year, had a terrific debut with the Kings in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20.8 points, 4.6 assists, 1.6 rebounds, one steal and one block while shooting 35% from the field in five games.