NBA: Russell Westbrook joins Sacramento Kings
The point guard will play his 18th season in the world’s top basketball league wearing the jersey of the Sacramento franchise.
Russell Westbrook, during his time with the Denver Nuggets
Russell Westbrook, one of the best point guards of the past two decades,has joined the Sacramento Kings, the seventh franchise he will play for in his 18 seasons in the NBA.
Westbrook, who will turn 37 on Nov. 12, signed for one season with the Kings, to whom he will bring veteran experience and leadership. He holds the NBA record for triple-doubles (203) and was the leading scorer in 2015 and 2017.
"Russell embodies the identity we are looking for in Sacramento. His resume speaks for itself and I am excited to work with someone so accomplished, who is fully committed to competing and winning. We expect him to strengthen our point guard position and provide leadership both on and off the court," said Kings general manager Scott Perry.
After being selected by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2008 NBA Draft (No. 4 overall pick in the first round), Westbrook began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he would remain until 2019.
In the Oklahoma franchise he shared roster with great players such as Kevin Durant and James Harden, with whom he formed one of the best big three of the 21st century. He reached the NBA Finals in the 2011-2012 season, losing out on the Ring to the Miami Heat.
On July 11, 2019, the Thunder and the Houston Rockets reached an agreement to trade Westbrook and Chris Paul. He spent only one season with the Texan franchise and, in December 2020, signed with the Washington Wizards.
In July 2021, during the NBA Draft, the point guard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would play a season and a half, since, on February 8, 2023, he would sign with the Utah Jazz.
His stay in Salt Lake City only lasted 12 days, as he reached an agreement with the franchise to terminate his contract. A day later, on February 21, Westbrook returned to California, but to play for the Lakers' rival team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Denver Nuggets were the last franchise he played for before joining the Kings.
He has achieved several distinctions during his career: nine times chosen for the All-Star Game, once regular season MVP or twice in the best five of the NBA, among others. He also won gold medals at the 2010 Basketball World Cup and the London 2012 Olympic Games with the USA Basketball.
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