Westbrook is sure to join the Kings! Kumingga becomes the strongest defensive player in the offseason

Who is the strongest defensive player in the offseason? There is no doubt that Kumingga! He not only defended the Warriors, but also Horford, Melton and Westbrook! On August 2, Forbes sports reporter Evan SIdery reported that the Kings wanted to get both Kumingga and Westbrook, but Westbrook had to wait for Kumingga's problem to be resolved before signing.

Horford and Melton are the same. They have reached an oral agreement with the Warriors and will wait for the Warriors to get Kumingga first. Evan SIdery bluntly stated that Kuminga's deadlock has hindered the development of the free agent market. The Kings offered Cumingjia a quotation of $63 million in three years, willing to send Monk and a protected first round to the Warriors. The Warriors have a clear attitude: they must be replaced with an unprotected first-round pick. Currently, the Warriors want to close the transaction negotiations of Kumingga first signing and then exchange, and wait until the transaction deadline in February next year to restart. Once Kumingga accepts a one-year qualification offer of 7.9 million and stays with the Warriors, Westbrook, Horford and Melton can quickly finalize a new contract.

Why did Westbrook wait for Kumingga? Kings reporter Matt George said that after signing Schroeder for 45 million in three years, the Kings' defenders were too crowded and there was not much room for operation. The King hopes to send Devin Carter or Malik Monk away in the Kumingga deal and clear out a position for Westbrook!

Moreover, the Kings have 15 formal contracts. If they get Kuminga for 1, they want to sign Westbrook and have to cut off one player. The Kings initially quoted the Warriors: Saric + Devin Carter + 1 protected first-round pick, which can not only clear the backcourt position, but also free up a place to sign Westbrook directly.

is not only Westbrook, but another point guard Brogden is also a free agent. In addition, the free market also includes Ben Simmons, Coffey, Payton Jr. and others. As for Kumingga, Gidey and Cameron Thomas, all three of them are restricted free agents and are not on this list. In fact, the Bucks are also interested in signing Westbrook, but he doesn't want to be too far away from home.

Earlier this week, George talked about Westbrook on a podcast: "I support Westbrook any time. I can succeed in the Thunder, thanks to Westbrook. Not only on the field, what he brings to the team in the locker room is unique. Westbrook is the kind of person who devotes himself to the game and is dedicated to the team."

2024-25 regular season, when Westbrook started in the Nuggets, the team had a record of 22 wins and 14 losses. During this period, Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7 assists and 1.7 steals per game, with three shooting percentages: 50.4%, 33.8%, and 68%. In the second half of the season, after Nuggets coach Malone was dismissed, Westbrook returned to the bench.

This year's playoffs, Westbrook averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.3 turnovers, with three shooting percentages: 39.1%, 31.7%, 70%. Westbrook's contract with the Nuggets is $6.8 million for two years, and next season is a player option worth $3.5 million. In June this year, Westbrook gave up his player option and became a full free agent.

Finally welcome to discuss: Do you think Westbrook is suitable for the Kings?