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Russell Westbrook Remains Unsigned as Training Camp Nears

He told CNN he is relaxed about his free agency and reports say the Kings are weighing him as a veteran mentor, a combination that keeps possible offers small and conditional.

Overview

  • Westbrook told CNN on Saturday that he is not dwelling on free agency and that he still loves playing basketball, saying “if it happens, it works” as his plan.
  • As of August 9 he remains an unsigned free agent and multiple outlets report league interest is limited, meaning any NBA return would likely be a veteran-minimum or a midseason signing.
  • Anonymous league and coaching sources have raised coachability concerns about Westbrook this summer, and at least one coach reportedly advised the Miami Heat against signing him.
  • Jake Fischer and other insiders report the Sacramento Kings are re-examining Westbrook as a mentor for No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr., with the team also considering veteran guards such as Victor Oladipo.
  • Westbrook’s 18-season résumé — a former MVP and the career leader in triple-doubles who averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Kings last season — frames why teams are weighing both his on-court value and locker-room fit, and why his choice or market could affect the Kings’ rookie development and roster plans.