Russell Westbrook Joins Sacramento Kings — Still Playing

Russell Westbrook will head to Sacramento on a one-year deal and, by his own account, doesn’t plan to retire after 2025-26. At nearly 37 he’s settled into a bench/playmaking role after averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in Denver, turned down a $3.5M option, endured a long free agency, and now joins his seventh NBA team — a short-term chance to prove he still belongs. Merlin sees this as both a safety net and a final showcase: the Kings get veteran ball pressure, playmaking and clubhouse voice behind Dennis Schröder, while Westbrook gets an audition under Doug Christie. Age and style are real questions, but a few electric games or steady leadership could extend the tale.