The Philadelphia 76ers ensured they would end up with the worst signing of free agency by signing an even more washed-up former All-Star, so Sacramento Kings fans don’t have to worry about their team being linked to making the worst addition yet.
If ESPN’s Shams Charania reports thisthe Kings have reached an agreement with former Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook on a deal that will keep him in the league for his 18th season. Both camps continued to discuss a potential partnership throughout the summer, and after a significant delay on this front, the veteran guard is once again returning to California.
This move, while expected, continues to baffle many. From the Kings’ point of view, this is another indication of their foolproof win-now design, but their roster is quite flawed, and the addition of Westbrook only muddies their lineup and dynamic given his divisive playing style later in his career.
Luckily for Kings fans, the 76ers made an even worse move this offseason when, without hesitation, they re-signed Kyle Lowry to a new one-year contract. That easily trumps signing Westbrook, as Lowry no longer appears to be a viable NBA player at this point.
The 76ers did worse than the Kings in re-signing Kyle Lowry
Lowry, who was coming off his absolute worst season last season, seemed like a no-brainer for the front office to let go this past summer. But lo and behold, the 76ers managed to exceed everyone’s expectations and willingly handed the veteran a new deal for reasons unknown.
With Philly in need of some reinforcements in the backcourt given the absence of Jared McCain to start the season due to a rather untimely thumb injury, the 76ers will be forced to give Lowry a role in the year of our Lord, 2025. That’s even more maddening when you take into account the fact that the front office had to cut ties with players who could still play rather than give in to their feelings by going with the wise veteran.
Sacramento will face a lot of criticism if this gamble inevitably fails, but at the very least Westbrook can still play. He is also still in good shape, unlike Lowry, who seems to be preparing for retirement with his current condition.
The 76ers really made a big mistake by re-signing Kyle Lowry. Hopefully their decision to welcome an unplayable veteran back this season doesn’t backfire on them, lest they remind everyone of this major blunder that still makes no sense.
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