Why Victor Oladipo Would Be Perfect Final Offseason Move for Kings

With the news of Russell Westbrook's retirement, the Sacramento Kings received at least a partial answer to one of their biggest remaining questions for the offseason. For weeks, they've been linked to both Westbrook and Victor Oladipo as Scott Perry and the front office continue to search for a point guard to help back up Darius Acuff Jr. And with Westbrook officially out of the running, all signs are pointing to a return to the NBA for Oladipo.

The 10-year veteran had a private workout with Sacramento, according to James Ham, host of the Kings Beat and Locked On Kings podcasts, when he joined Damien Barling on ESPN1320.

Victor Oladipo had a private workout with the Kings in Sacramento per @James_HamNBA on @ESPN1320
— Kyle, a Madson (@KyleAMadson) August 12, 2026

The Kings could still pivot another direction, but it seems like Oladipo joining Sacramento is right around the corner. And it could be the perfect move to complete the offseason and get ready for the 2025-26 season.

Oladipo's Return

Apr 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo (4) looks for a passing option during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Oladipo hasn't been in the league since the 2022-23 season, when he averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds on 39.7% shooting from the field and 33.0% from three for the Miami Heat. But as has been the case for Oladipo in the past, injuries have kept Oladipo from being able to put together a consistent run, and have since kept him out of the NBA.

The fit between him and the Kings would be great for a few reasons, but for Oladipo, it would be a soft landing spot back in the association on a team with little to no expectations. The former All-Star isn't being brought in as the final puzzle piece on a title contender or hoping to help get a playoff hopeful over the hump.

With where the Kings are at, he would just fill in as a veteran mentor with a small role on the court, but more importantly, a large role in the locker room.

Departing Veterans?

Jan 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) moves the ball up court in front of Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

That locker room mentorship could be even more important later this season, because there's no telling how many veterans are going to be around for the whole season in Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine have been in rumors all offseason, and Malik Monk has been on the trading block dating back to last offseason.

All three could potentially be traded this offseason, and that would gut the Kings of their entire veteran core, following the departures of Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. Bringing in Oladipo would give the Kings some insurance for a veteran presence to help mentor the young players, and, importantly, would be one that Perry signed himself.

Sabonis, LaVine, and Monk are all remnants of the Monte McNair era, and Perry could be looking to add his own veteran to the mix in Oladipo.

Low Usage Role

Last season, Westbrook had the highest usage rate on the Kings at 25.2%. It's safe to say that unless Oladipo returns to his All-Star ways, that's not going to be a mark that he would come near in Sacramento.

The fit with him not needing a prominent role would be much better this time around than with Westbrook. The Kings not only have Acuff to turn the key over to, but Emanuel Sharp impressed during Summer League and already looks like a steal from the draft. Oladipo may not be the most exciting free agent option left out there, but he may be the safest for the Kings. That feels wild to say about a player with such a littered injury history, but for what Sacramento needs at this stage of their rebuild, it's a pretty perfect fit.

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