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Westbrook Declares 18th Season, Skips Free Agency

8/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russell Westbrook told CNN's Elex Michaelson he will not test free agency and plans an 18th season.
The 2016-17 MVP recorded his fourth career triple-double season with Washington in 2020-21.
In Sacramento he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Kings executive Anthony Slater said they are open to signing Westbrook but expect him to be a reserve behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the 2026 seventh-overall pick.

History

Historical Context

LeBron James announced on July 8 2010 via “The Decision” that he would join the Miami Heat, drawing a peak of 10 million viewers and a $41 million two-year deal. That high-profile move shifted NBA free-agency culture toward player empowerment and “super-team” formation. Russell Westbrook’s 2026 choice to remain with the Sacramento Kings echoes James’s precedent, showing teams now value continuity over market-driven overhauls.

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Story summary

Russell Westbrook told CNN's Elex Michaelson he will not test free agency and plans an 18th season.
The 2016-17 MVP recorded his fourth career triple-double season with Washington in 2020-21.
In Sacramento he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Kings executive Anthony Slater said they are open to signing Westbrook but expect him to be a reserve behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the 2026 seventh-overall pick.

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