NBA Rumors: The two surprising targets of the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings still have several roster spots to fill for the 2026-27 season, and one of the options they are considering is bringing back a familiar face. Russell Westbrook, who played for the California franchise last season, is back on the radar as he remains unsigned in free agency.

Sacramento seeks experience for their rebuilding

Westbrook spent the entire 2025-26 season with the Kings, being a regular starter in the 64 games he played. The point guard became a free agent after declining his player option for the 2026-27 season in order to explore the market.

While Sacramento embarks on a new rebuilding phase relying on a group of young prospects, the franchise also considers adding veterans to assist in the development of these players. According to journalist Jake Fischer, this strategy has led the Kings to contemplate both Westbrook's return and the signing of Victor Oladipo.

"League sources indicate that the Kings are considering adding one of several veteran point guards to help in the development of the 7th draft pick, Darius Acuff, and among the options are both bringing back Russell Westbrook and hiring Victor Oladipo," Fischer stated.

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Westbrook and Oladipo, two experienced profiles

Sacramento has several options to strengthen their perimeter play, and both Westbrook and Oladipo bring a wealth of experience in the NBA.

Westbrook showed during his eighteenth season in the league that he can still deliver a competitive performance. In his 64 games with the Kings, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Oladipo has not played in the NBA since his time with the Miami Heat during the 2022-23 season. Nonetheless, the shooting guard is still seeking a new opportunity in the league, believing he can still contribute with his abilities on both ends of the floor.

The goal: to compete for the playoffs again

The Kings had one of the worst seasons in the NBA last year. Their record of 22 wins and 60 losses placed them as second-to-last in the Western Conference, only ahead of the Utah Jazz and behind the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks.

Now, the franchise hopes to regain the competitive level that allowed them to return to the playoffs in 2023, ending a drought that had lasted since 2006. To achieve this, Sacramento is aware that it will require a lot of effort and a collective performance to once again compete among the league's top teams.