New Russell Westbrook Rumors Reveal Which Teams Offered Contracts Before NBA Retirement Video

The Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards both expressed interest in signing Russell Westbrook before the veteran guard chose to retire, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Westbrook announced Wednesday he's hanging up his sneakers after 18 seasons.

The nine-time All-Star spent last season in Sacramento. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 64 games.

Westbrook also played a year in Washington in 2020-21, but the franchise has turned over significantly in terms of the roster and coaching staff since then.

In both cases, the decorated playmaker would've had to settle for a reserve role.

The Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick. The former Arkansas star figures to get a lot of run with Sacramento rebuilding and focusing on the long term.

The Wizards, meanwhile, just handed Trae Young a four-year, $212.8 million contract. Acquiring Young and Anthony Davis ahead of the 2026 trade deadline was part of their plan to take a massive jump after losing an NBA-worst 65 games.

Along with making him come of the bench, neither Sacramento nor Washington could make a convincing pitch about helping Westbrook win a title. For as much as they should improve, the Wizards have a lot of question marks with their squad.

Westbrook has a Hall of Fame career already and his legacy is cemented at this point. Without disrespecting the Kings or Wizards too much, it's understandable why he didn't view them as attractive destinations.