And just like that, the Sacramento Kings' offseason may have come to an end.
Just a few weeks ago, it felt like the Kings could be aggressive during the summer, pursuing key trades and new stars to bolster the roster. They signed Dennis Schroder, and there were hopes it was just the start of more moves. But new reporting from Sam Amick suggests things are winding down for the Kings, and they will not try to sign one particular NBA star.
The Kings probably won't get Russell Westbrook, and the future looks unclear
There were many concerns when recent rumors suggested the Kings might try to acquire Russell Westbrook, who played for the Denver Nuggets last season. Westbrook brings talent, of course, but he also makes boneheaded decisions and is painfully inconsistent. He isn't the reliable star he once was, which is why he has bounced around from team to team over the last few years.
Now, Amick has told Sactown Sports, via HoopsHype, that the Kings and Scott Perry are moving on from the idea of getting Westbrook. They still hold an affinity for him, but the backcourt is too crowded, and the Kings aren't willing to add more money to their books.
For many Kings fans, this is good news. They weren't willing to stake their future on Westbrook and his up-and-down output. But others are concerned because this suggests that the Kings are done for the summer. There is a growing consensus that the acquisition of Schroder may be their big addition.
Deals could still be made, and Sacramento might be up to something. There have been numerous stories about them shipping DeMar DeRozan out, possibly to the Miami Heat. But even if that happens, the return haul might not be massive, and the Kings could have a relatively quiet offseason.
We always knew this was a possibility. At the end of the regular season, rumors swirled across the league stating that the Kings were interested in getting a first-round pick, adding backcourt support with a new point guard, and not much else. They missed out on that first-rounder but did get Schroder. Therefore, it feels as if the Kings have done all they wanted.
DeRozan could leave, Jonathan Kuminga might still be targeted, and the Kings may end up doing more. But with this latest news about Westbrook, Kings fans are preparing for silence from Sacramento's front office.