Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors: Knicks Could 'Poke Around' If PG Made Available
The New York Knicks have missed the playoffs in each of the last seven years and figure to be in rebuilding mode under a new head coach, but they are reportedly interested in a point guard with a massive contract who turns 32 years old in November and comes with concerns about his shooting and how his hard-nosed style of play will age.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, there is some belief the Knicks would at least "poke around" about landing Russell Westbrook from the Houston Rockets in a potential trade.
Begley noted Westbrook "saw New York as a welcome landing spot last summer when Oklahoma City was talking to teams about potential trades."
First, the concerns with Westbrook.
Assuming he exercises his 2022-23 player option, he is owed $132 million the next three seasons. There are also some possible durability issues after he played just 57 games in 2019-20 for the Rockets.
Begley suggested Houston may have to include another asset for the Knicks to take on that salary.
Westbrook has also shot below 30 percent from three-point range in each of the last three seasons and has particularly struggled in the playoffs when defenses dial in on cutting off his penetration.
Still, he could help the Knicks even reach those playoffs.
The UCLA product has a head-turning resume that includes a league MVP, two scoring titles, two assist titles, nine All-NBA selections and nine All-Star appearances. He can stuff the stat sheet on any given night as a guard who attacks the lane with an explosiveness rarely seen in league history, battles for boards and sets up teammates for open looks.
Begley also pointed out "Westbrook's work ethic and drive would have an impact on New York's young players."
That is valuable, especially since new head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for relying on his starters to play big minutes even during the regular season in a push for the playoffs.
Even with some obvious concerns, Westbrook could be a veteran who helps lead New York to the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
