The New York Knicks addressed their lack of bench depth with additions of former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson and French big man Guerschon Yabusele.
But oddsmakers predict the Knicks will make one more splash in free agency to bolster their second unit that ranked last in both minutes and points last season.
Offshore sportsbook Bovada has installed the Knicks as the odds-on favorites to sign former MVP Russell Westbrook at +250. The Sacramento Kings, who have been linked to Westbrook even before they landed Dennis Schroder, have the next best odds at +350.
Rounding up the betting list are the Milwaukee Bucks (+500), Miami Heat (+600), Dallas Mavericks (+800), New Orleans Pelicans (+900) and Minnesota Timberwolves (+1000).
Westbrook Still Statistically Solid But…
Westbrook, 36, remained unsigned after he declined his $3.5 million player option to return to Denver.
The nine-time All-NBA point guard played a key role for the Nuggets last season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists against 3.2 turnovers in 75 games. In Denver, the 2017 NBA MVP split his time in the Nuggets’ bench and starting unit.
At this stage of his career, Westbrook is looking to join a title contender as a ring-chasing veteran. With the Knicks being the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference next season, they have become a logical landing spot for Westbrook.
The Bucks, who lost Damian Lillard after waving him to sign center Myles Turner, could also be a great situation for Westbrook, though his poor outside shot will be a spacing issue for the Bucks, whose star Giannis Antetokounmpo is a non-shooter.
Knicks No Longer Interested in Westbrook?
GettyRussell Westbrook wants to join a contender. Are the New York Knicks still interested?
Despite the oddsmakers pointing to the Knicks as Westbrook’s next team, they are no longer as interested as they were early in free agency, Clutch Points NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on July 8.
“Westbrook was linked to the Kings and New York Knicks early in the free agency market,” Siegel wrote. “Yet the Knicks opted to sign Jordan Clarkson, and they hold no interest in pursuing the former league MVP, sources said.”
The Knicks have depth at point guard spot with star Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and incoming second-year player Tyler Kolek, who finished the NBA Summer League on a strong note. Clarkson can also play point guard in a pinch.
Brunson, Hart Rave About Clarkson Addition
GettyJordan Clarkson gives the Knicks bench an instant scoring boost.
Josh Hart and Brunson raved about Clarkson’s addition to the team.
“I was excited, “ Hart said of Clarkson on “The Roommates Show” on July 17. I mean, great dude, gonna fit right into the culture that we have, obviously, something that can create his own shot.
“[Clarkson] can break down the defense, and we needed at times, you know, last year. So it would be a great addition in terms of role. And also as a locker room guy.”
“I know him. I’m not as close with him as Josh, obviously, but I know him,” Brunson added. “I talked to him a little bit. Good dude. He surrounds himself with some good people whom I know. A great addition for us, sure.”
Clarkson signed for the veteran minimum after reaching a buyout with the Utah Jazz, which makes his addition to the Knicks more impressive from a value standpoint.
The 32-year-old spitfire guard averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists off the bench for the Jazz last season. He also shot 36.2% from the 3-point line.
Clarkson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021.
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