Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook agrees to sign with Sacramento Kings, ESPN confirmed on Wednesday through his agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management. The 2017 MVP will join 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 percent from the field. He remained without a contract all summer, weighing his options before finally signing terms with the Kings this week. He is expected to join the team later this week.
Last season, the Kings ranked 28th in bench efficiency and 29th in assists per game. These are areas where Westbrook's play and energy can make an immediate impact. Perry emphasized building a team that would play hard and persist, qualities that 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 with 506 points, just shy of surpassing Oscar Robertson as the most productive point guard in league history. Sacramento will be his seventh NBA after playing for Oklahoma City, Houston, Washington, Lakers, Clippers and Denver.
