If it doesn't seem like it was that long ago that Russell Westbrook's time with the Sacramento Kings had come to an end, you would not be wrong. Well, watch out for whiplash, because Westbrook could be on his way back to Sacramento with fellow veteran Victor Oladipo in tow. It's an interesting call.
The problem with the Kings in free agency has been purely money-related. They are already well over the salary cap and just a shade under the first apron. Crossing that line would cause a significant number of penalties, something that would utterly derail the entire rebuild process.
That directly led to the Kings not re-signing Westbrook, even though they wanted to. It was the business side of the game rearing its ugly head once again, but the Kings didn't have a lot of choice. That's why they still have two main roster spots open at this point in the offseason.
Recent reports from Jack Fischer via The Stein Line indicate something has changed. The Kings have made an about-face on the Westbrook situation. They need a veteran point guard and are looking at Brodie or Oladipo. As odd as this sounds, they might be able to add both to the team.
There's a real opportunity for the Kings in this situation
The Kings have waived DeMar DeRozan. By stretching his salary over a few seasons, there might be just enough space to sign both Westbrook and Oladipo to veteran minimum contracts. That gives the Kings two veteran point guards to both mentor and back up Darius Acuff Jr.
Westbrook has already proven to be a great mentor to the Kings' rookie, with both Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford singing his praises. He could do the same for Acuff, though Brodie isn't the best defender. That's the part of the game where Sacramento's rookie point guard needs the most help.
Oladipo can definitely help with that. He hasn't been in the league since the 2022-2023 season, but is ready for a return. When he was in his prime, Oladipo was an elite defender. He could bring that skill set to the Kings and help develop the defensive side of Acuff.
On top of that, Sacramento needs backup point guards for Acuff. He can't play every minute of every game, and the Kings are lacking in the point guard department. If the Kings can pull off signing both Westbrook and Oladipo, go for it. If not, at least bring Westbrook back. Sacramento loves him.
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