For weeks now, there have been rumors about Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings. They have come and gone, flared up and then died down, and nothing has been very clear.
But a picture is coming into focus: the Kings want Westbrook, and they are willing to make some important moves in order to get him. A new round of reporting states that the Kings will cut a couple of players loose in order to have Westbrook in the lineup next season.
Goodbye, Carter and Monk. Hello, Westbrook
According to reporter Matt George, there is still genuine interest between Westbrook and the Kings. George isn't the only person to say this, as it's become well known across the league. At this point, some analysts state that Westbrook is most certainly heading to Sacramento next season.
But George takes things a step further: he said that the Kings are "still looking to move a player like Devin Carter or Malik Monk before they can bring Westbrook in."
On the Kings/Russell Westbrook front:
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 28, 2025
Both parties have been talking and have had mutual interest since free agency began. That's been well known.
From what I gather, the Kings are still looking to move a player like Devin Carter or Malik Monk before they can bring Westbrook…
Sacramento's front office would make these moves because there is a "log jam" at the guard position. They simply don't have the money or the minutes for Carter, Monk, Westbrook, and Dennis Schroder. Someone, or someones, has to go, and it looks like Carter and Monk will be on the move.
This isn't all that surprising because there were whispers about Carter and Monk departing even before the stories revolving around Westbrook. When Schroder joined the team, the whispers grew louder. While the Kings want a lot of help at the point guard position, there can be too much of a good thing, and all signs have been pointing to Carter and Monk leaving.
Carter was in 36 games last season, averaging 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds. As for Monk, he posted a career high of 17.2 points and 5.6 assists during his 65 games. What sort of trade could these two be a part of? Would the Kings be able to get someone impactful in return for one or both of them? Some Kings followers aren't wild about the idea of Westbrook, but if Carter and Monk convert into a big return, it may be worth it for them.
The Kings are currently in pursuit of Westbrook and they are about to pull the trigger on big changes to get him. Fans are concerned that the team will make the wrong moves with Carter and Monk. There is fear they will give them away for nothing because they are so hyperfixated on Westbrook. It wouldn't be the first time they didn't handle a trade well.
It sounds like Westbrook is definitely on his way, but it remains to be seen who leaves Sacramento before he arrives.