The New York Knicks could plausibly be looking to add plenty of depth this offseason.
New York’s star tandem of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years before falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
While their top-heavy rotation played with unbelievable heart and hustle, the Knicks’ eventual playoff exit could be attributed to former head coach Tom Thibodeau’s decision to rarely acknowledge his reserves.
With a new lead strategist soon entering the fray for the storied franchise, recent reports have indicated that the Knicks could target a future Hall of Fame inductee and electric backup piece to rejuvenate their seldom-used bench unit.
“There will be mutual interest between (Russell) Westbrook and the Knicks when free agency opens and the Knicks have that $5 million taxpayer exception to spend,” SNY’s Ian Begley shared during a Monday appearance on Putback with Ian Begley.
“They have veteran’s minimum exceptions to spend.”
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“Westbrook would listen, with intent to possibly come here. I know that he is interested. We’ll see where that shakes out, because he will have plenty of suitors.”
Even after the conclusion of his 17th campaign as a member of the Denver Nuggets, Russell Westbrook once again proved his worth as one of the best reserve options on the market this summer.
In 75 appearances and 36 starts for Denver in 2024-25, the 2017 NBA MVP and 2-time scoring champion contributed 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals, providing a jolt of energy and a veteran presence simultaneously each time he’d check in as their sixth man.
If Westbrook were to join the Knicks to back up Brunson, the team would be supplied with an experienced postseason performer and excellent play-maker.
As he prepares for his 18th NBA season, Westbrook surely has plenty left in the tank even if he’s lost a step in the athleticism department.
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