The New York Knicks aren’t expected to make any major moves this summer. However, they do have enough room on the roster to potentially add a veteran contributor on a minimum deal.
In recent weeks, both Ben Simmons and Malcolm Brogdon have been floated as potential additions to the rotation. On August 9, SNY’s Davic Vertsberger threw Russell Westbrook‘s name into that hat, too.
Vertsberger suggested Westbrook as a long-shot option due to the impact he made for the Denver Nuggets and the lack of injury history associated with the former MVP.
“Westbrook looks like a long shot, given rumors don’t tie him to New York and there’s no clear path to consistent minutes in this rotation,” Versberger wrote. “With that being said, he’s proven much more impactful than Brogdon or Simmons in recent years, and would be an absolute firecracker of an add if the Knicks pulled it off.”
Vertsberger continued.
“What Westbrook’s lost in athleticism and scoring efficiency, he’s learned to make up for with his defensive tenacity and high-motor play. He does not take a play, let alone a game, off, and is always full tempo when he’s on the court. ”
Westbrook is currently an unrestricted free agent. He enjoyed a strong season with the Nuggets during their 2024-25 campaign. In 75 outings, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He shot 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from deep.
Westbrook’s Health Would be Key
Unlike Simmons and Brodgon, Westbrook doesn’t bring a host of health concerns with him. While it’s true that his overall game has declined in recent years, he’s still an impactful member of a rotation. He’s capable of spelling minutes off the bench or sliding into a starting lineup.
Furthermore, if Mike Brown is aiming to increase the pace of play for New York, Westbrook would fit right in. Even now, at 36 years old, Westbrook is at his best when ripping rebounds off the glass and turning the jets on in transition.
So, while Simmons would be the swing on potential upside, and Brogdon has proven himself as a bench contributor, Westbrook’s ability to remain on the court could be a key factor in a potential push to bring him to New York. Of course, if that does become the case, Knicks fans must accept him for the player he is now, rather than expecting the MVP who once dominated the NBA.
Knicks Urged to Consider Kevin Love
Jeremy Brener of “Knicks on SI,” believes the franchise should consider adding Kevin Love. The veteran forward was recently traded to the Utah Jazz. He is expected to eventually have the remainder of his contract bought out. A move for Love would likely occur if the Knicks ruled out adding another guard to the rotation.
“Late in March, the Knicks signed P.J. Tucker to the team’s final roster spot even though they didn’t expect him to play very much,” Brener wrote. “That’s the kind of role Love could inherit if he were to join the Knicks. Love might not see the court much in Mike Brown’s rotation, but it’s everything that isn’t seen on the court or the box score that the former No. 5 overall pick brings to the table that would make the Knicks one of the best teams in the league.”
Love would certainly be a strong addition in terms of veteran leadership. However, the Knicks may prefer someone who can challenge for minutes. After all, the aim is to win a championship. And to do so, you must be confident in your depth. Because, like it or not, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game.
So, Love would have to prove he can still impact a game when called upon. Otherwise, his next stop is unlikely to be in New York.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Former MVP Cited As “Long-Shot” Free Agency Target For Knicks appeared first on Heavy Sports.