The Knicks are showing interest in adding nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook as they continue their pursuit of an NBA Championship. According to SNY NBA insider Ian Begley, both Westbrook and the Knicks are expected to have mutual interest when free agency officially begins at 6 pm.
Begley mentions that New York is among several teams keen on Westbrook, with the Knicks currently holding a $5 million tax exemption and the ability to offer free agents a minimum veteran salary. Mark Stein and Jake Fisher were among the first reporters to identify Westbrook as a potential target for the Knicks.
At 36 years old, Westbrook spent last season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 75 games, including 36 starts. The 9-time All-Star, 3-time assists leader, and 2016-2017 MVP has played 17 NBA seasons, starting with 11 years in an Oklahoma City Thunder uniform. He has since played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets.
Signing Westbrook would give the Knicks a seasoned veteran point guard to complement Jalen Brunson and strengthen key players like Kemba Walker and Julius Randle.
Fan Take: Bringing in a veteran like Westbrook could be a game-changer for the Knicks, adding experience and leadership to a talented roster. This move signals that New York is serious about contending, which could shake up the Eastern Conference and make the playoff races even more exciting for basketball fans.
