The New York Knicks continue their aggressive offseason approach, targeting both coaching and roster upgrades simultaneously.
Renewed from their reported interest in Tyus Jones for the veteran minimum contract, the franchise set the sights on even bigger names.
Russell Westbrook has emerged as the latest target, with mutual interest reportedly developing between the parties.
Westbrook spent last season as the sixth man with the Denver Nuggets, helping the team reach their second round before the team fell to the final champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
The veteran guard appeared in 75 games and started 36, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds per contest.
His defensive strength remained apparent with 1.4 steel per game, introducing the stolen that made him a perennial All-star.
Westbrook’s playoff experience could prove invaluable for a Knicks team that struggled in the postseason moment.
The move will address New York’s needs for veteran leadership and reduce the heavy time burden for Jalen Brunson.
Previous MVP abilities to create attacks and press pace can turn the Knicks second unit into a formidable weapon.
Despite his star status, Westbrook fits perfectly with New York’s financial constraints. The Knicks can use $5 million taxpayer exceptions or veteran minimum exceptions to secure his services.
Westbrook previously rejected the player’s option to enter a free agency after signing a two-year, $6.8 million veteran minimum contract with Denver.
Stephen A. Smith, along with Kevin Durant, proposed an alternative destination in Houston, but New York offers a unique appeal.
The massive market and the potential for playoffs could lure Westbrook to embrace another team-friendly deal.
The basketball community remains divided into this potential pairing. Supporters highlight Westbrook’s transitional capabilities and rim pressure as a perfect complement to the New York system.
“That Knicks second unit will be violent during the transition,” one enthusiastic fan wrote on social media. Another added, “Russ might not be bad for me to get out of my bench and give Rim’s pressure/Branson a break.”
Critics argue that the Knicks should prioritize the depths of another position over the addition of the backcourt. With young talent like Tyler Colek and Miles McBride already in the point guard rotation, there is a question of whether another veteran security guard will address their most pressing needs.
The debate extends to roster philosophy, with detractors suggesting that New York should develop existing young talent, rather than “stalking big names after their prime.”