The Kings reportedly tried to sign Westbrook without trading key stars

According to reports from Adia Krishnamuti, a reporter from the US sports media NBA analysis network. The team is exploring different ways to sign Russell Westbrook as a deal failed to come true.

The Sacramento Kings are doing their best to move forward from the turbulent 2024-25 NBA season.

The Kings found themselves in a rather difficult situation after firing head coach Mike Brown and then traded De Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs within a few months.

This offseason, management hopes to inject some hot youth into their team, which is why the Kings are ruthlessly targeting Jonathan Kumingga.

Although the Kings have not been able to get Kumingga so far, they have also been working hard to complete the signing of Russell Westbrook. The Kings have been wanting Westbrook for a while.

The Sacramento Kings have tried to sign Russell Westbrook without trading Malik Monk, according to Mark Stein, the Sacramento Kings have given up finding the right deal for Malik Monk months after a failed negotiation with different teams.

He added that the arrival of Russell Westbrook, the Kings' long-term goal, is now being considered without a trade to Malik Monk to make the ceiling.

"After Sacramento explored various trading options involving Malik Monk earlier this summer, league sources said the Kings are not actively involved in such trade negotiations now.

"The Kings have been interested in unsigned free agent Russell Westbrook, the source said.

"But I was told they did explore the possibility of creating backcourt vacancy for Westbrook in other ways, rather than trading Monk." The Kings were able to sign Westbrook without giving up Monk would certainly help the former MVP. Monk was Westbrook's former teammate when he played for the Lakers.

Having this sense of familiarity makes Westbrook more easily adaptable to the Kings.

Golden State Warriors play hard ball against Jonathan Cumingga For the Kings, their initial plan was to trade Malik Monk as part of the Jonathan Cumingga signing and trading plan.

Therefore, in their eyes, Westbrook's arrival depends on Kuminga's transaction. However, the Kings didn’t consider how difficult it would be for the Golden State Warriors to reach a potential deal. The Warriors have refused to trade multiple players to make the money play a role in the signing deal. Unless a major event occurs, it is difficult to see them change their minds on this matter.

That's why the league's executives wouldn't be surprised if Russell Westbrook wasn't signed before the 2025-26 NBA season begins.

Hopefully, for the sake of the players, all parties can reach an agreement so that everyone can get what they want.

It is hard to justify talented players like Russell Westbrook and Jonathan Cumingga who missed the opportunity to play high-level basketball.

Let's see if the transfer results that fans want to see before the new season begins?