New NBA Rumors on Kings' Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo Interest, Potential Zach LaVine Buyout

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly considering adding a veteran guard to mentor star rookie Darius Acuff Jr. this offseason.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Tuesday the Kings are "weighing" bringing back Russell Westbrook or helping Victor Oladpio make his return to the NBA.

The Kings' search for guard depth doesn't necessarily mean the franchise is planning to move on from Zach LaVine.

According to Fischer, "one source close to the process told The Stein Line that the Kings are operating under the premise that LaVine will start the season as a King and added that 'no buyout' is being discussed."

Westbrook played for the Kings last season, during which he appeared in 64 games. Oladipo is looking to make his return to the NBA for the first time since his 2022-23 campaign with the Miami Heat.

After exercising his player option, LaVine is set to play next season on a cap hit of just below $49 million before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer, per Spotrac.

The Sacramento Bee's Jason Anderson similarly reported last weekend the Kings "are not considering a buyout" and are "reluctant" to stretch the money it would take to waive LaVine over the next three seasons.

Waiting until LaVine's contract comes off the books next summer will allow the Kings to clear out his salary entirely.

That leaves the Kings with about $3.7 million in space below the first luxury tax apron, at which the team is hard-capped, per Spotrac.

The Kings still have a veteran minimum exception the team could use to bring in a player like Westbrook or Oladipo.

According to Fischer, the Kings were one of the NBA teams with representation in attendance at the pro day workout Oladipo held for scouts July in Las Vegas.

ESPN's Jeremy Woo reported that Oladipo played "full court five-on-five" in the session, which "impressed" scouts that described him as "being in excellent shape."

The Kings have a larger sample size with which to evaluate Westbrook, who averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds while making 58 starts last season.

Sacramento waited until mid-October last year to sign Westbrook to his previous one-year deal. Whether Oladipo convinced the Kings he has completely overcome the knee injuries that derailed his NBA career could impact what the Kings decide to do if making a similarly late roster addition this offseason.