Which Free Agent should the Kings target: Westbrook, Simmons or Oladipo?

The Sacramento Kings have a number of veteran free-agent options available as they continue reshaping their roster, but which one would make the most sense for Sacramento?

That was the debate on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys between Kevin Gleason and Allen Stiles, who discussed the pros and cons of potentially bringing back Russell Westbrook, signing Ben Simmons, or taking a chance on Victor Oladipo.

Westbrook might make the most sense from a basketball standpoint, particularly because Sacramento already knows what he can provide.

However, the biggest obstacle to a reunion could be his willingness to accept a smaller role after the Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall pick.

Sacramento remains open to bringing Westbrook back, but the situation changed considerably after the Kings drafted Acuff, who is expected to have significant responsibilities with the ball in his hands from the jump.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings smiles during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on March 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“Once the Kings ended up getting a point guard, that changed where Russ’s playing time or what Russ’s playing time was going to look like,” Gleason said.

Westbrook was an important part of Sacramento last season, both on and off the court, but the role that worked last season may not be available this year.

“He was phenomenal last year. Did some great things for the team on the court, off the court, things that most of us aren’t even privy to,” Gleason said. “At the same time, that was last year, and this year everything’s different, and it’s just not a fit.”

Simmons presents a completely different type of opportunity. The former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star has not been able to stay healthy consistently, but his talent could make him an intriguing low-risk gamble if Sacramento were to bring him into training camp.

“He has not played more than 60 games in a season since 2018-2019,” Stiles said. “It’s insane.”

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 01: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers calls to teammates during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center on March 01, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Still, Gleason believes the Kings could at least explore the possibility if Simmons is genuinely interested in returning to the NBA.

“If he is interested, if he says, ‘I want to play anywhere. I want to get back in the NBA,’” Gleason said, “the Kings are so bad offensively, I could see how he might help them.”

Oladipo may have the most inspiring story of the three, as he continues attempting to return to the NBA. But while his determination could provide value to Sacramento’s young players, there are questions about whether the Kings should use a roster spot on him.

“I like the Oladipo story a lot. I’ve always liked him as a player,” Stiles said. “Him to the Kings, I don’t see at all.”

The two-time All-Star hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season due to suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the NBA Playoffs.

For Sacramento, Westbrook appears to offer the clearest immediate basketball value, Simmons represents the biggest potential upside if healthy, and Oladipo provides an intriguing leadership and mentorship angle.

The deciding factor may ultimately be whether the Kings want a proven veteran who can contribute now or are better served giving those minutes to their younger players. With training camp set to open at the end of September, the clock is ticking on what general manager Scott Perry will do with the backup point guard spot.

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Carmichael Dave: The Kings should sign Ben Simmons
• Why Domantas Sabonis could be key to Kings’ new identity
• Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale names Kings’ best trade partners for Zach LaVine
• Would Russell Westbrook be the perfect mentor for Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Why Doug Christie deserves another full season with the Kings

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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