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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
Former Kings PG Russell Westbrook Drawing Interest Overseas
With the Sacramento Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr. and committing $49 million to shooting guard Zach LaVine, the backcourt is set for at least the start of the 2026 regular season.
Two-time MVP point guard Russell Westbrook, who stepped up for an injury-riddled Kings squad last season, remains a free agent, as various reports have indicated limited interest in the veteran playmaker.
However, on Tuesday, Gigantes del Basket reporter Gerard Solé reported that Westbrook could potentially finish his career outside of the NBA.
Solé named Greece’s Panathinaikos and Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv as two international squads with interest in the nine-time All Star.
As two of the top teams in their respected leagues, Westbrook, who is a bonafide future NBA Hall of Famer, would be one of the most accomplished players to ever play in either league.
While it hasn't happened in over a decade, high-level NBA players have opted for the Euroleague route, dating back to Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury.
Marbury, who became an international icon during the waning years of his career in Beijing, won three CBA championships and was commemorated with a statue for his time with the Beijing Ducks.
Iverson, a former league MVP in his own right, finished his professional basketball career with the Turkish club Beşiktaş, but had a much shorter stint, dealing with injury.
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, this is not Westbrook's top choice, but his energy and enthusiasm for the game would definitely be a fit with the rowdy overseas basketball landscape.
Additionally, Westbrook is still producing at a high rate.
Last season, Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 33.8-percent shooting from 3-point range in 64 games.
Despite being one of the final free agents on the open market last offseason, Westbrook far outplayed his veteran minimum contract with Sacramento, providing solid play and veteran leadership to the Kings' young talents.
Back in March, eventual Second-Team All Rookie big man Maxime Raynaud talked about the benefit of learning from Westbrook and what he has brought to the team.
"He talks with me a ton about my play, my confidence and about what comes outside of basketball in the NBA," Raynaud said. "I think he's really one of those guys that helped me flip the switch between college and the league, so I've been very appreciative."
Following the end of the year, both Westbrook and members from the team expressed interest in potentially reuniting , but with Sacramento's current cap situation, it seems unlikely that the team can offer any more than the same minimum deal.
While it would certainly be an unorthodox and surprising move for a player of Westbrook's caliber to head overseas, it could be a fun, no-nonsense ending to his impressive career.
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