While Russell Westbrook has only been with the Sacramento Kings for one season, he has made it clear that the team and the city feel like home to him. He has also said that if the franchise wants him back next season, he's in. Now, the Kings have to prioritize making that happen.
For the first 11 years of Westbrook's career, he played great basketball for the Thunder. Since leaving OKC in 2019, he hasn't found a permanent home. He's played for the Rockets, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, and now the Kings. His longest run in there was two seasons as a Laker.
During that time, he has had some serious ups and downs on the court, though he remained an incredibly talented player. Westbrook is one of the most celebrated point guards in the history of the game, not to mention the holder of numerous records, awards, and honors.
That's what made the Nuggets dumping him after the last season so disappointing. Even more disrespectful was the fact that the Kings were the only team to offer him a spot on their roster. It turned out pretty well for both sides as Westbrook seemed to fit into Sacramento immediately.
What's next for Brodie?
As it stands right now, Westbrook is an unrestricted free agent, as his contract with the Kings was only for one year and has ended. He has made no secret of his desire to remain with the Kings. Brodie is prioritizing his happiness over ring chasing, and Sacramento seems to make him happy.
The problem for the Kings' front office is that they are looking at a serious salary cap issue, largely thanks to the salaries of Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Westbrook is one of several players waiting for answers as Sacramento sorts out their potentially devastating financial issues.
Keeping all of that in mind, it would be a huge mistake for Sacramento not to bring him back. In short order, he has become a key piece of the development process for the Kings' young players. Westbrook is a mentor to the next generation of Kings, one who cannot be easily replaced.
Westbrook, alongside Precious Achiuwa, is likely a high priority for Sacramento's front office as they work the numbers out. One way or another, the Kings will make room for Brodie. He wants to be in that city and on that team. Those are not easy qualities to find in a player of his caliber.
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