Russell Westbrook Reportedly Linked to Bucks, Knicks Have 'No Interest' in NBA FA

Free agent guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly drawing "no interest" from the New York Knicks, although the Milwaukee Bucks are a potential landing spot, per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.

"Westbrook was linked to the [Sacramento Kings] and New York Knicks early in the free agency market, yet the Knicks opted to sign Jordan Clarkson, and they hold no interest in pursuing the former league MVP, sources said. That leaves the Kings as the only team with known interest in the nine-time All-Star, but they just signed Dennis Schroder," Siegel wrote on the Knicks.

Siegel also added this on the Bucks.

"The expectation surrounding the Bucks is that they will be utilizing one of their final roster spots to add extra guard depth after bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins in free agency. Given Westbrook's athleticism and speed, he would be an ideal fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on a Bucks team that likes to push the pace in transition.

"Westbrook is included in the grouping of Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, and other guards remaining on the free-agent market that Milwaukee is evaluating."

Westbrook, who turns 37 years old in November, averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds for the Denver Nuggets last season.

Westbrook shot 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three. He also added 1.4 steals per game. The ex-UCLA star was a key figure on a Nuggets team that won 50 games and fought hard in the playoffs, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in a seven-game first-round series before losing to the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game second-round matchup.

Now Westbrook is left searching for a new team. The nine-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player is certainly going to find a landing spot. He's a great asset, especially off the bench, and can start for teams if needed (Westbrook started 36 of his 75 games last year).

He could make a great impact in Milwaukee, which could use another guard, especially after waiving Damian Lillard. At this point, the Bucks' starting backcourt appears to be Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. Westbrook could easily be the sixth man and be the first person off the bench in the backcourt to help that duo.

The Bucks could also use another ball-handler off the bench, as their top backcourt reserves appear to be shooting guards in Gary Harris, AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr.

So Milwaukee makes sense for Westbrook. Plus, if Westbrook is looking for a place to compete for a title, the Bucks could make some sense, especially in an Eastern Conference that looks wide-open on paper next year. Granted, the Bucks haven't had playoff success recently (three first-round losses the past three years), but having Giannis Antetokounmpo aboard always gives Milwaukee a fighting chance.