The Golden State Warriors have been circling names all summer. Al Horford. Jonathan Kuminga trade chatter. Mid-level exception gymnastics. What they haven’t done is make a splash.
Now, at least one analyst doesn’t see Russell Westbrook, a former MVP who could have provided second-unit punch, making his way to Golden State.
Warriors Stay Quiet While Westbrook Linked to Rival
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesThe Golden State Warriors are unlikely to target Russell Westbrook.
In his predictions for the top 10 remaining free agents, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus projected Westbrook to land with the Sacramento Kings on a two-year minimum deal with a player option.
“The Sacramento Kings stand out as his obvious next home, as they need a point guard to back up Dennis Schröder,” Pincus wrote.
That would mean Westbrook ends up in Northern California — just not with the Warriors. Golden State never seemed aggressive in pursuing him, but the fit was there. He’s embraced bench roles in recent years. He still brings energy and rim pressure. And he would’ve been available at a number the Warriors could manage.
Warriors’ Options Keep Shrinking
The Warriors have been extremely quiet this offseason. Other contenders have reloaded, while Golden State waits on clarity around Kuminga’s future and Horford’s decision. The Horford deal is still expected to get done, but until then, the Warriors’ cap sheet remains murky.
Westbrook, meanwhile, just wrapped up a season with the Denver Nuggets where he averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists in 28 minutes per game. He started 36 of his 75 appearances, shot 45 percent from the field, and hit 32 percent of his threes on nearly four attempts a night.
He wasn’t peak MVP Russ. But he was still a difference-maker — especially when asked to push the pace and energize second units. For a Warriors team that lacked downhill guards behind Stephen Curry, Westbrook’s burst could’ve been useful.
What It Means for Golden State
If Pincus is right and the former MVP does land in Sacramento, the Warriors won’t just miss out on a useful veteran. They’ll have to watch a divisional rival get stronger in the exact role Golden State needed help in.
It’s another reminder that the Warriors are playing the waiting game this summer. They need resolution on Horford. They need clarity on Kuminga. And above all, they need a move that signals they’re serious about climbing back into contention.
Still, it seems more likely Golden State’s front office is focused on other available free agents they’ve been more heavily linked to — names like De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry, or Malcolm Brogdon. Those are the kinds of players who fit their cap situation, their rotation needs, and their push to give Curry more reliable help.
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