After declining his player option with the Denver Nuggets, Russell Westbrook endured a long, uncertain summer searching for a new home. For weeks, it appeared his NBA career might be limping toward an unceremonious end. No team seemed willing to take a chance on the former MVP, and his gamble of opting out looked like a costly miscalculation. Then, just weeks before the regular season tipped off, the Sacramento Kings offered him a lifeline with a one-year deal. At first glance, the move seemed like a net negative for both Denver and Westbrook.
The Nuggets lost a key rotation piece without finding an adequate replacement, instead choosing to gamble on the internal development of two unproven young guards — without a veteran safety net to lean on if things go sideways. Westbrook was a flawed but valuable contributor who played a crucial role during the regular season and even had his moments in the playoffs. On the flip side, by signing with Sacramento, the 2017 MVP has effectively given up any realistic chance of competing for a championship. The move also raises eyebrows, considering the Kings — if anything — already have great depth at the guard positions.
Yet all things considered, this Westbrook Kings deal may ultimately work in the Nuggets’ favor.
How Westbrook’s Kings Deal Could Benefit the Nuggets
Looking back on how this all unfolded, it’s unfortunate that such a successful one-year partnership ended so quickly — especially given where Westbrook landed. Not only did he join a team with no real championship aspirations, but it’s also unclear whether he’ll even have a larger role in Sacramento’s crowded backcourt.
Despite the rumors that the Denver front office told him he’d play behind young guards like Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett, staying in the Mile High City would’ve made far more sense. The Nuggets are in championship-or-bust mode, which means they don’t have the luxury of waiting through a lengthy development process. With Nikola Jokic’s prime years in full swing and Jamal Murray’s durability always a question, they can’t afford to gamble for an extended period of time on inexperience.
Over the grind of an 82-game season, Westbrook almost certainly would’ve carved out a meaningful role again. The Nuggets haven’t replaced his energy, playmaking, or sheer quality at the backup guard spot. They may be banking on their young players, but this isn’t the same as the Christian Braun situation last year. Strawther and Pickett haven’t proven they can consistently contribute to a title-contending team, let alone replace the impact of someone like Russell Westbrook—even in the latter stages of his career.
Taking Advantage of the Kings Being the Kings
The Sacramento Kings may no longer be the complete laughing stock they once were, with their incompetence reaching its magnum opus when they passed on Luka Doncic in favor of Marvin Bagley in the 2018 draft. But they still can’t seem to go more than a couple of years without making a head-scratching move.
Another questionable decision that aged poorly was choosing De’Aaron Fox over Tyrese Haliburton, which led to them trading the younger, ascending guard for Domantas Sabonis. While the Lithuanian big man is incredibly talented, his limitations have become evident, especially in the playoffs. The Kings went all-in on a win-now approach and haven’t won a playoff series since—a failure that ultimately forced them to trade Fox to the Spurs just three years later.
Signing Westbrook does not have the potential to be nearly as catastrophic as those past mistakes — but it’s another example of the Kings’ inability to build coherently. And that could open up a golden opportunity for the Nuggets or other contenders to take advantage of their potential mistake, because it could lead to the disgruntlement of a very interesting player.
Keon Ellis Could Become Available
The Kings’ decision to sign Westbrook might create a domino effect — one that could make a difference maker for a championship-contending team like Keon Ellis more available than ever.
With Keegan Murray sidelined, the Kings will be forced to tinker with their rotation—maybe even having to go small with Demar DeRozan at the 4 through the start of the season. It’s an option that presents major defensive challenges and could force a versatile guard like Ellis to play out of position at the three.
And once Keegan Murray returns, minutes will be scarce — there simply won’t be enough playing time to satisfy everyone on a roster loaded with quality perimeter players. Add in the fact that Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Dennis Schröder, Russell Westbrook, and Demar DeRozan all operate best with the ball in their hands, it means that you have the makings of a frustrating, disjointed offense which could potentially lead to a disastrous season.
For Keon Ellis, that could translate into mounting unhappiness and a growing sense of urgency — especially since the Kings have decided to delay paying him his much-anticipated first major contract this summer.
While it may seem unthinkable that a fan favorite like Ellis could see his role reduced, Westbrook’s presence always carries weight—commanding attention from coaches, fans, and media alike, for better or worse—even in the twilight of his career.
The Westbrook Effect is Undeniable, for Better or for Worse
Say what you want about Russell Westbrook, but he leaves a lasting mark on every franchise he joins — and most of that impact is positive.
There are nights when he looks incredible: his relentless energy and playmaking can tilt regular-season games in his team’s favor. His time in Denver shouldn’t be overlooked either. Westbrook brought a much-needed spark, proving to be the team’s best signing last summer. At several points last season, Westbrook played at a near All-Star level, often stepping up as the Nuggets’ second best player especially when Jamal Murray was out.
But the downsides can’t be ignored either. His erratic shooting, turnover issues, and occasional baffling decisions can hurt a team as much as they help it. His passionate fanbase remains fiercely loyal, though that devotion occasionally manifests as hostility toward perceived rivals. Nuggets media members and content creators witnessed this firsthand last season through the negative discourse surrounding Jamal Murray.
It’s not Westbrook’s fault, but his off-court reputation and the respect he commands from fellow players can be a source of tension. And that same respect can create tricky dynamics — such as the perception that a former MVP deserves more minutes or even a starting role over a less heralded but a more effective player. And in the Kings’ case, this could lead to a Keon Ellis dilemma.
The Nuggets Must Take Advantage of this Potential Keon Ellis Dilemma
Maybe nothing major happens. Maybe Keon Ellis thrives, rising to the challenge and coming out better than ever from this stiff competition. But if the Kings start to spiral, the Nuggets need to be ready — and strike.
Denver can’t afford to repeat last year’s mistake, when Oklahoma City quietly landed Alex Caruso in a deal the Nuggets easily could have matched. If Sacramento’s season unravels and their guard rotation becomes a source of frustration, this could be the perfect opportunity for Denver to swoop in and snag a difference-maker on the cheap.
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