Knicks Rumors: Latest Buzz on Potential Russell Westbrook Trade, VanVleet, More

New York Knicks fans are preparing for a potentially chaotic offseason.

The Knicks enter the next few months armed with the second-most projected cap space, per Spotrac. They also have the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, though the latter is more disappointing given New York slipped in the lottery after finishing the season with the sixth-worst record.

The Knicks are also under entirely new leadership. Tom Thibodeau takes over as head coach, and new president of basketball operations Leon Rose will be under the microscope as he navigates a challenging offseason. What does seem clear is the Knicks looking for an upgrade at point guard.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported LaMelo Ball is one of two players the Knicks "love" (the other being James Wiseman), but Ball is unlikely to be on the board by the time the New York is on the clock. Additionally, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report noted the Knicks might not have the assets to trade up to the first pick.

Thus, it might be tough for New York to get its desired point guard in the draft. But the Knicks might be active in the trade market.

Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported agents around the league believe the Knicks could "poke around on a potential Russell Westbrook trade" if the Houston Rockets attempt to deal the former MVP this offseason. Begley also noted Westbrook was open to New York as a landing spot when the Oklahoma City Thunder were discussing trades last summer.

The Knicks would have to find a way to make the money work. Westbrook is owed well over $40 million in each of the next two seasons, per Spotrac, with a $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season. The Knicks could absorb some salary but would probably prefer to offload so as to have space for the offseason. In any case, Westbrook would make for an interesting fit in New York.

Westbrook's traditional statistics from this past season look pretty solid. He averaged 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting a career-high 47.2 percent per game. The 31-year-old also excelled when the Rockets went to a small-ball look in February, routinely exploiting one-on-one matchups and driving lanes with ease.

But the advanced numbers tell a different story. Westbrook's 1.8 value over replacement player (VORP) was the lowest since his rookie season, per Basketball Reference. He became a bit of a liability on the defensive end of the floor, and the playoff numbers were underwhelming. 

There is another element to this: Westbrook's status as a ball-dominant point guard who cannot shoot from the perimeter does not seem to complement R.J. Barrett very well.

Still, the Knicks seem to believe Westbrook could help turn things around in the Big Apple if the Rockets decide to move on from the star guard.

Knicks to Pursue Fred VanVleet   

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

While Westbrook does not appear to be the best of fits in New York, Fred VanVleet seemingly has everything the Knicks need.

VanVleet had a career year with the Toronto Raptors this past season, averaging 17.6 points, 6.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while also shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc on 6.9 attempts per game.

The former Wichita State star became one of Toronto's playmakers on both ends, as VanVleet also averaged 1.9 steals and routinely drew some of the toughest backcourt assignments.

New York desperately needs more shooting, playmaking and defense. With VanVleet hitting the open market, he profiles as the ideal target.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported the Knicks have interest in signing VanVleet if they fail to trade for a star point guard such as Chris Paul or Westbrook. 

VanVleet not only has a desirable skill set but also figures to be far cheaper than the aforementioned star guards. Bondy reported insiders believe the 26-year-old will get a contract similar to that of Malcolm Brogdon with the Indiana Pacers (four years, $85 million) last summer.

That kind of value would likely appeal to the Knicks, especially if they can back-load the deal and preserve cap space for the next couple of seasons. 

Magic Interested in Dennis Smith Jr.   

Nell Redmond/Associated Press

In the event the Knicks do not trade up in the upcoming draft, they may try to trade back.

Berman reported the Knicks have staged "internal talks" about trading down to the Nos. 12-15 range in an effort to stock up on future assets. 

The Orlando Magic have the 15th pick next month, and Berman reported the Magic have shown interest in acquiring Dennis Smith Jr., possibly creating an avenue for New York to trade back in an expanded deal.

Smith has floundered in the Big Apple after coming to the Knicks after part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade prior to the 2019 trade deadline. This past year was especially forgettable, as Smith averaged just 5.5 points on 34.1 percent shooting while also committing nearly four turnovers per 36 minutes and playing under 16 minutes per contest.

However, Begley reported last week Smith has "significant support" from members of the organization who would like to see the former N.C. State star get a chance to bounce back. Begley also noted Smith showed up for all of the voluntary workouts with Thibodeau and his staff.

That said, the backcourt could get crowded if New York drafts or signs another guard, and the Knicks might elect to move on from Smith if it is their best chance to move back and get future assets.

All stats obtained via Basketball Reference, unless otherwise noted.