Report: Kings unlikely to bring Russell Westbrook back for 2026-27

It appears the Sacramento Kings and Russell Westbrook could be headed for a mutual parting of ways.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported this week that league executives believe the Kings are not expected to bring Westbrook back for the 2026-27 season, ending what proved to be one of the brightest stories of Sacramento’s disappointing 22-60 campaign.

While nothing has been officially announced, Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave said the report comes as no surprise and believes it ultimately benefits both sides.

“I’m in no way surprised,” Dave said. “We have not confirmed this, but I’m in no way surprised.”

Westbrook, who signed a veteran minimum contract late in training camp, exceeded virtually every expectation in Sacramento. Originally expected to serve as a reserve behind Dennis Schröder, the former MVP quickly earned the starting point guard job after outperforming the veteran free-agent addition.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 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)

More on Russell Westbrook

By season’s end, Russell Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while recording six triple-doubles and 16 double-doubles.

More importantly, he became one of the Kings’ emotional leaders during an injury-plagued season that saw Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter all miss significant time.

Dave believes Russell Westbrook’s impact stretched far beyond the stat sheet.

“Russ outplayed his contract last year in every possible way,” Dave said. “I honestly think he’s arguably the biggest bright spot the Kings had last year.”

Dave also praised the intensity Westbrook brought despite Sacramento’s struggles.

“He was a mentor. His teammates adore him. He played his ass off,” Dave said. “He played on a 22-60 team as if they were 60-22. You couldn’t tell the difference.”

Still, Sacramento’s direction has changed.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings and Maxime Raynaud #42 speak during a break during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on February 09, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

After drafting point guard Darius Acuff Jr., the Kings appear ready to hand the franchise’s future to their young guard rather than continue leaning on a soon-to-be 38-year-old veteran.

With Acuff expected to receive every opportunity to develop, bringing Westbrook back could complicate that process.

Dave sees that as the biggest reason both sides should move on.

“The Kings have turned the page,” he said. “They got Darius Acuff in. They’re giving him the keys to the castle… they’re trying to continue the rebuild.”

Dave also believes Westbrook deserves a chance to contribute to a contender instead of spending another season on a rebuilding roster.

“Some playoff team has to have room for Russ Westbrook,” Dave said. “Even if it’s 15 or 20 minutes a game, good locker room presence, an extra coach. He’s done everything but win a title.”

Rather than viewing the reported split as the Kings giving up on Westbrook, Dave framed it as a mutual decision that makes sense for everyone involved.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – OCTOBER 28: Domantas Sabonis #11 and Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings discuss a play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

“I hope that report is true,” Dave said. “I hope the Kings are done with Russ Westbrook—or Russ is done with the Kings… it just serves both parties’ interests now and in the future for him to be elsewhere.”

Even if Westbrook has played his final game in Sacramento, Dave expects Kings fans to remember his lone season fondly.

“Every time Russ Westbrook comes back to Golden 1 Center, I think he’s getting a wonderful round of applause from this city,” Dave said. “He’s going to go down, per capita, as probably one of my favorite Kings of all time.”

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for 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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