Kings Reportedly 'Resisting the Urge To' Sign Russell Westbrook amid Kuminga Rumors

As the Sacramento Kings continue to ponder a potential deal for Jonathan Kuminga, it is holding up other moves the team has also considered making.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings have been "resisting the urge" to make smaller deals, including a long-discussed Russell Westbrook signing, because they have been waiting for a resolution to the Kuminga situation.

Sacramento was, at one point, aggressively trying to acquire Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. Amick reported on Aug. 1 the Kings offered a package of Malik Monk and a 2030 lottery protected first-round draft pick that the Warriors turned down.

Amick noted the draft pick was the "primary sticking point" for the Warriors because if it didn't convey in 2030, they would end up getting the least favorable first-round pick from either the Kings or San Antonio Spurs in 2031.

Later on Thursday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Kings continue to "covet" Westbrook and that a trade could be needed to clear room for Westbrook. Fischer said insiders around the league see Devin Carter as the player "more likely" to be moved rather than Malik Monk.

Kuminga continues to wait out for a contract offer that he likes. The Warriors' reported offer to the 22-year-old was for $45 million over two years, per Amick.

It's also unclear if Kuminga even wants to stay in Golden State given the disconnect between him and head coach Steve Kerr.

While the Kings have been holding out hope for Kuminga, they have also been circling around Westbrook. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that Sacramento has "maintained an interest" in the nine-time All-Star.

There was a point early in the offseason when it seemed like the Kings' desire to add Westbrook was contingent on trading Monk or Devin Carter, though it's unclear if that remains the case.

Sacramento's signing of Doug McDermott last month did put the roster at the maximum 15 players, so a deal for Westbrook would require the front office to make another move.

Westbrook is coming off a solid 2024-25 season with the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game in 75 appearances.