Russell Westbrook could have Thunder reunion of his own if recent reports are true

Recent reunions between star players and former teams, like Damian Lillard with the Trail Blazers and Chris Paul with the Clippers, have sparked speculation about a similar return for Russell Westbrook to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook, a beloved former cornerstone, is currently a free agent after playing for the Denver Nuggets last season.

However, a return to the Thunder appears unlikely in the immediate future because the team already has all 15 roster spots filled for the upcoming season.

Despite this, Westbrook could still have a reunion linked to his Thunder playing days. Reports indicate mutual interest between Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are waiting to move either Malik Monk or Devin Carter before finalizing a deal with the veteran guard.

The Kings present a unique connection, as they feature several players who were Westbrook's teammates in Oklahoma City: Domantas Sabonis, Dennis Schroder, Doug McDermott, and Dario Saric. Joining the Kings would reunite Westbrook with these familiar faces on a team not expected to challenge the Thunder.

This move could benefit Westbrook by offering him a substantial role. Coming off the bench for Denver last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, finishing seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting. While he was never viewed as a long-term starting option behind Jamal Murray in Denver, Sacramento offers a legitimate chance for him to start regularly. Although the Kings have many guards, Schroder is their only natural point guard, and Westbrook could potentially outperform him. In 36 starts for Denver last season, the 36-year-old averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 50.4% shooting.

Therefore, joining the Kings for the 2025-26 season could be a positive move for Westbrook. It offers his best chance to be a primary floor general again and surrounds him with former teammates from his Thunder glory days.