Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has agreed to sign with the Sacramento Kings, ESPN confirmed Wednesday through his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management. The 2017 MVP joins the Kings ahead of his 18th NBA season, giving Sacramento an experienced option in a backcourt that lacked depth a year ago.
Westbrook, who turns 37 in November, spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games while shooting 44.9% from the field. He remained unsigned through the summer as he weighed options before finalizing terms with the Kings this week. He’s expected to join the team later this week.
The Kings ranked 28th in bench scoring and 29th in assists per game last season, areas where Westbrook’s playmaking and energy could make an immediate impact. Perry has emphasized building a team that plays with effort and urgency, traits that have defined Westbrook’s career.
Westbrook is the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles (203) and ranks eighth in assists. He enters the season 506 points shy of surpassing Oscar Robertson as the highest-scoring point guard in league history. Sacramento will be his seventh NBA team, following stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, the Lakers, Clippers and Denver.
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