Bringing back Russell Westbrook is on the table in Sacramento, and it sounds like the interest goes both ways.
“Russell’s always welcome with me,” Kings GM Scott Perry said, per Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Bay Area. “I loved working with Russell Westbrook this year. I mean, he was phenomenal. I can’t say enough.”
Westbrook, 37, signed a one-year deal before the season and gave the Kings steady production, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 64 games.
The numbers were solid. The impact, maybe more so.
“Extremely competitive,” Perry said. “I wish I had an opportunity to work with Russell earlier in my career… we will keep the lines of communication open and we will see what happens.”
So nothing locked in. But clearly, there’s mutual respect.
Elsewhere, Sacramento has decisions to make.
Veteran forward DeMar DeRozan remains productive, but his contract situation could force the issue. Only $10 million of his $25.7 million salary for next season is guaranteed, giving the Kings flexibility if they choose to pivot.
That also may be part of the bigger picture. As Bobby Marks of ESPN noted, Sacramento could look to get younger this offseason while managing its financial outlook.
Westbrook fits what they are. DeRozan represents a decision on what comes next.
Either way, the Kings have some thinking to do.
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